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AN 



AUTHENTIC HISTORY Z 



OF THE 



»■ 1 1^' 




SECeN© '^ 

FOR INDEPENDENCE: 



COMPRISI^'G 

DETAILS OF THE MILITARY AND NAVAL OPERATIONS, 
FROM THE COMMENCEMENT TO THE CLOSE OF THE 
RECENT war; ENRICHF:D WITH NUMEROUS GEO- 
.GRAPHICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL' NOTES. 



BY SAMUEL R. BllQWJS'*, 

" Give Fillan^s prake to the iviiid, Raise hhh h'u 
i-patse, in mine ear, ivhile he yet shines in ivary 

Ossian. 

IN TWO VOLUMES. 

VOL. L / ^ 



JIVBUR.X: 

PrBLLSIIED BY J. G, KATHATvViV. 

KbHcj^ U Bcardslee, rrinteiB, Manllua,. 

1815. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Exposition of the Causes of the Jf'^ar* 

ERHAPvS it is impossible, in tlie nature of thing?, 
that there should exist a cordial political connexion be- 
tween the Republic of the U. States and the inonarchif 
of Great Britain. There is something in the national 
pride of England that can never forgive the declara- 
tion of independence ; and on our side, the siiftering.9, 
prison ships, burnings, massacres and scalpings of the 
revolution have not been forgotten. It is true, that 
the ties of a common ancestry, similarity of language 
and manners, have been urged as natural inducements 
to a close and friendly alliance between the two cour- 
tries. These causes operate feebly, when opposed by 
a powerful spirit of commercial rivalry, and the resent- 
ments springing: from the revolutionary v/ar, mutually 
cherished by both nations. 

The hostility of England has been coeval with our 
national existence. How easy it is to furnish the in- 
credulous, irrefragable evidence of the truth of this po- 
sition ! The events of the revolutionary war constrain- 
ed the British government to recognize our independ- 
ence ; yet she refused to execute the treaty of 1783. 
The western posts from Oswego to Michilimackinac 
were forcibly retained, contrary to the expre^ss provia- 



4 INTRODUCTION. 

ions of iLnai treatjfrom '85 to '96; and that too, while a, 
Wa^shijigton presided in the councils of his country I 
Thi,-; breach of faith subjected the United States to tlie 
f-Kpenses of a long and bloody Indian war^ which oth- 
ei \rlse most unquestionably could have been avoided. 
Tn this v/ar tiie savages were supplied with the means 
{>'■ death fromtiiose very posts, so wrongfully withheld., 
The ^urecuor general of Canada, Lord Dorchester, in^ 
'/ti^ated the Indians to hostilities. Englishmen fought 
hy t;ieir skies at the defeats of Karmer and St. Clair. 
TV'Itcn Gen. AVayne defeated the Indians near the 
!Mia.rai af the Lake, m 1791, they sought protection un- 
der the guns of a British fort, erected in a time of 
peace, and rnany niiles within the acknowledged ter- 
)ii3rlal limits of the U. States. The British comman* 
tier even tl;.rce.tened to fire on the American troops, if 
ii\c^j approacV.ed Vv'ithin reach of his guns ! 

In the fiiaht of Gen. Proctor from the battle of the 
IMoravian Town, \m carriage and papers fell into the 
hands of the Americans. Among these papers were 
found the letters of Mr. M'Kee* of the Indian depart- 
inent, to Col. England, the commander of the English 
troops at IMalden, during the months of July and Au- 
gust 1794. and at the time Gen. Wayne was operating 
against the Indians on the Miami. It appears from 
these letters that the scalps taken by the Indians were 
sent to the Indian establishment at the rapids of that 
river ; that the hostile operations of the Indians w^ere 
concerted M'ith British agents and ofllcers ; that cer- 
tain Indian tribes '^ having completed the belts thej 
carried v>ith scalps and prisoners, and being with- 
out provisions, resolved on going home, it was la* 

* gee Appendix- A, 



INTRGDUCTION. 5 

I 

mented that his Majestj'B posts 'would derive no 
seciirity from the late great influx of Indians into t]vAt 
part of the country, should they persist in their resolu- 
tion of returning so soon;" that the British agents 
were immediately to hold a council at the glaze, in or- 
der to try if they could prevail on the lake Indians to 
remain; but that without provisions and ammunition 
being sent to that place, it was conceived to be ex- 
tremely difficult to keep them together ; and that ^ Col. 
England was making great exertions to supply the In- 
dians with pro\i9ions." *• Scouts are sent (continue-i 
Col. M^Kee) to view t]ie situation of the American ar- 
mv; and we now muster 1000 Indians; all the take 
Indians, from Saguna do wmvards, should not lose one 
moment in joining tlieir brethren, as every accession of 
strength is an addition to their spirits." Again : «• I 
have been employed several days in endesivoriDg to iix 
the Indians v/ho have been driven from tl;cir viil^^es 
a d corniiclds between the" fort and ihe ba'-'« Sw;i-»i 
creek is generally agreed upoji and v/ili be a very con- 
venient place for the delivery of provisions. &c/ ' Thes-e 
letters prove that there existed acovortbulactlv? cc-ofr- 
eration of tlie Eritish agents with iiAdians opposed to 
U en. Wayne. 

The game iniluence was exercised sunciig €.2 Cre^-. 
and Cherokee Indian?, A BritiBh subjcci of fr.entimc 
of Bowles assumed the title of Director G'^:- • -x! f>-' 
^Muscogee. 

The correspondenco/^ of Arr.eriran Ind;.a;:>. A^.^ntian-l 
military and civil oflicers near the wester^* frontier-^ 

with the denartment of state, aabr-.e amr-le a«tditior.al 
•I ■ ' J. 

* See .'^prT'^ V'- B- 
A2 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

proof of the British agents instigating tlia savages to 
acts of hostilitj. 

The late Gen. Pike in his tour to the head waters of 
the Missisippi, found several stockade forts erected by 
f^ie British many leagues south of the boundary line.f 
Such has been the disregard of Great Britain for our 
territorial rights. Has she been more respectful to our 
national f^ftg and maritime privileges ? 

The French revolution commenced. All Europe was 
la arms. The wisdom of Washington perceived the 
true interest of his country. The policy of a strict 
neutrality was adopted. Although this act displeased 
Frar.ce, still it was not respected by England. The 
proclamation announcing this course of policy was is- 
sued on the 22d of April 1793. Yet, on the 8th of 
J)ine following an order was issued from the cabinet of 
?*^t. James, requiring " all vessels loaded wholly or in 
part, with corn, flour or meal, bound to any port in 
France, or to any port occupied by the armies of 
France," to be forcibly carried into the ports of Great 
Britain, and their cargoes were either to be sold there, 
or security given tliat they should only be sold in the 
ports of a country in amity with Great Britain. 

This outrage was soon follov/ed by the enforcement of 
the rule of '56, This preposterous and arbitrary rule 
ordained that neutral nations were not entitled to enjoy 
the benefits of a trade with the colonies of a belligerent 
power, from which in a period of peace they were exclu- 
ded by the mother country. It was at a period when 
the American merchants had engaged in a lucrative and 
eitrnsive trade with the French colonies, that the order 



•f Cf 



?ee Appendix C, 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

of the 6th of November was silently circulated airor.g 
the British cruisers, consigning to legal adjiulication, 
<» all vessels laden with goods the produce of any col- 
ony of France, or carrying provisions or Supplies for 
the use of any such colony." A great number of A- 
merican vessels became the victims of this perfidious or- 
der. The popular indignation in the U. S. was violently 
excited. War was, for a while, considered the only al- 
ternative. Finally, the pacific system of policy v.as 
preferred. Mr. Jay was dispatched on a special mission 
to Great Britain — the result was a treaty of amity, 
commerce and navigation. Nevertheless, the commerce 
of the United States continued to be the prey of British 
cruisers and privateers. 

The accursed practice of impressment, had in the 
meanwhile become a serious cause of com^plaint. Even 
as early as 1793 the British government was apprized 
of the " irritation that it had excited ; and of the difii- 
culty of avoiding to make immediate reprisals on their 
seamen in the United States." It was told that " so 
many instances of the kind had happened, that it was 
quite necessary they should explain themselves on the 
subject, and be led to disavow and punish such violence,, 
which had never been experienced from any other na- 
tion." Again it was told " that unless it would come 
to some accommodation which might ensure the Ameri- 
can seamen against this oppression, measures would be 
taken to cause the inconvenience to be equally felt on 
both sides." On the 30th of July, 1794, Mr. Jay wrote 
to Lord Grenviile, " that the impressment of Ameri- 
can citizens to serve on board British armed vessels, 
was not only an injury to the unfortunate individual, 
but it naturally excited certain emotions in the breast* 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

of the nation to \vhoin tliey beloiis;, and thejast and 
humane of every country ; and that an expectation was 
indulged, that orders would be given that the Ameri- 
cans so circumstanced, would be immediately liberated, 
a)id that the British of^cers should, in future, abstain 
from similar violences." In April 1797, Mr. King re- 
monstrated against the growing evil. He said, that 
" the subject was of much greater importance than had 
been supposed ; and that, instead of a few, and those 
in many instances equivocal cases, the American minis- 
ter at the court of London had, in nine months (part of 
the years 1796, and 1797,) made application for the dis- 
charge of two hundred and seventy one seamen, who 
had in most cases exhibited such evidence as to satistify 
him, [_Mr. ICing Q that they were real America.ns, for- 
ced into the British service, and persevering, generally, 
in refusing pay and bounty." In the autumn of 1796, 
the American Secretary of State, Mr. Timothy Picker- 
ing wrote to Mr. King instructing him to say that " if 
the British government had any regard to the. rights of 
the U.S. any respect for the nation, and placed any val- 
ue on their friendship, it w ould facilitate tlie means of 
relieving their oppressed citizens ;" that " the British 
naval oificers often impressed Swedes, Danes and other 
foreigners from the vessels of the United States ; that 
they might, with as much reason, rob American vessels 
of the property or merchandise of Swedes, Danes 
and Portuguese, as seize and detain in their service, 
the subjects of those nations found on board American 
vessels; and that the President was extremely anxious 
to have this business of impressing pbced on a reasona- 
ble footing." . In September 1800, Mr. Marshall, then 
Secretary of State, wrote to Mr. King still at the court 



INTRpDLXTIOK. d 

of London, stating that^< the impressment of American 
seamen was an injury of very serious mag:nitude, winch 
deeply affected the feelings and honor of the nation ; that 
no right had been asserted, to impress the natives of 
America ; yet, that thej were impressed ; that they 
were dra^^ed onboard British ships of war, with the evi- 
dence of citizenship in their liands.and forced bv violence 
there to serve until conclusive testimonials of their birth 
could be obtained ; that many must perish unrelieved, 
and ail v/ere detained a considerable time, in lawless 
and injurious confinement that the continuance of the 
practice must inevitably produce discord between Uvo 
nations, Avhich ought to be friends of each other ; and 
that it was more advisable to desist from, and to take 
efiectual measures to prevent an acknov/iedged wrono-^ 
than by persevering in that wrong, to excite against them- 
selves the well founded resentments of America, and 
force the government into mea.sures which may very 
po£gibly terminate in an open rupture." 

These extracts furnish ample proof that the subject of 
impressment became a serious ground of complaint and 
remonstrance as early as 179,2. Nor did British cruis- 
ers desist from their practice of impressing American 
seamen even during the period ©f our naval war with 
Fi'ance. 

In the winter of 1800, Mr. Liston, the British minis- 
ter at Philadelphia, submitted a project of a treaty to 
the consideration of the American government. It was 
rejected by Mr. Adams, anil the chief officers of the ex- 
ecutive department, whom he consulted, on the ground 
" that it did not sufficiently provide against the impress- 
ment of American seamen," and that it was belter to 
have no article; and to meet the coR&e(juejice«. than not 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

to enumerate merchant vessels on the high seas, among 
the things not to he forcibly entered in search of deser* 
ters.*' 

Such was the state of our relations with Great Britian 
when Mr. Jefterson was elected to the Presidency. The 
Peace of Amiens seemed to promise a durable repose to 
Europe, exhausted by long and sanguinary wars. The 
golden age of the American republic commenced. At 
jpeace with tlie whole v/orld, her flourishing commerce 
whitened every sea ; her adventurous ships bore to her 
ports the productions of every clime. Our exports, im* 
imports and revfinne increased beyond example : wliile 
France and England remained at peace, the practice ot 
impressment, if not wholly abandonedj was at least un* 
frequent. 

Ty licll the President of the United States appointed a 
special mission to negociate v/ith the French government 
the purchase of Louisiana, Mr. King was instructed to 
explain to the British government the object of the mis- 
sion. ^Ir. King made the explanation and informed the 
American government that " the communication was 
received in good part ; no doubt was suggested of the 
right of the United States to pursue separately and alone 
the objects they aimed at ; but the British government 
appeared to be satisfied with the President's views on 
this important subject." 

After the treaty of purchase was concluded, Mr. King 
wrote to I^ord Hawkesbury apprising him of the event, 
and also, that in drawing up the treaty, care had been 
taken so to frame the same, as not to infiinge any right 
of G. Britain, in the navigation of the river Mississippi." 
The noble Lord replied, " that he had received his ma.^ 



I?JTRODUCTION. li 

jcsty's commands to express tlie pleasure ^vith which 
his majesty had received the intelligence ; and to add, 
that his majesty regarded the care which had been taken 
so to frame the treaty as not to infringe any right of G» 
Britain in the navigation of the river Mississippi, as the-, 
most satisfactory evidence of a disposition on the part of 
tha Government of the United States, correspondent 
with that which his majesty entertained, to promote 
and improve that harmony, which so happily subsisted 
between the two countries, and which was so conducive 
to their mutual benefit." 

Notwithstanding this unequivocal avovral of the Brit- 
ish government, of its entire satisfaction at the purchase, 
it subsequently intrigued with Spain to induce her to 
oppose the transfer of Louisiana from France to the 
United States ; and no doubt would have succeeded, 
but for the potent influence of France. 

In the declaration of the Prince Regent, (of Jan. 10, 
1813,) the purchase of the territory was censured as 
<< the ungenerous conduct of the United States towards 
Spain ;" and the British negociators at Ghent, in their 
note of September 4, 1814, attribute the acquisition of 
Louisiana, by the United States to a spirit of aggian- 
dizement, not necessary to their own security. They 
affirmed besides, that " the purchase was made against 
the known conditions on which it had been ceded by 
Spain to France," that in case of the protestation of tlie 
Minister of his catholic majesty at Washington, the Pre- 
sident of the United States ratified the treaty of pur- 
chase ; and that " there was good reason to believe, that 
many circumstances attending the transaction, were in-- 
dustriously concealed." Yet these aspersions werq 



Jta INTRODUCTION. 

Blade in the verj face of evidence in their possessior^ 
that the Ujiited States had at the onset of the neirocia-- 
tion consiiltad Spain whether she claimed any sovereign- 
ty over the territory of Louisiana ? They knew alno, 
at tlie time these unwarrantafcle reproaches were made, 
that Spain had replied, through her mLaister, M. Ceval- 
los, that hy the retrocession made to France, of Louisi- 
ana, that power regained the province, with the limits it 
had, saving the rights acquired by other pov/crs ; arid 
that the United States could address themselves to the 
French government, to negociate the acquisition of ter- 
ritories, which might suit their interest." They knew 
moreover, that his Catholic ^lajesty's minister at Wash- 
ington, in 1804, acting by the " S]:'ecial ord^r of his sov- 
reign," declared to the American Secretary of state, 
Mr. Madison, that the explanations which the govern- 
ment of France iiad given to his Catholic majesty, con- 
cerning the sale of Louisiana to the United States, and 
the amicable dispositions, on the part of the King, his 
master, towards these states, had determined him to 
abandon the opposition, which at a prior period, and 
■with the most substantial motives, he had manifested 
against the transaction." 

The bright prospects opened to American commerce 
by the peace of Amiens, w ere delusive and transient. 
War recommenced between France and England. The 
American minister anticipating the event, obtained as- 
surances, from the British government, " that, in the 
event of war, the instructions given to their naval oiTi- 
cers should be drawn up with plainness and precision, 
and, in general that the rights of belligerents should be 
exercised in moderation, and with due respect to those 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

of neutrals.-' And in order to prevent the recurrence 
of the practice of impressment, our iiiinistcr prepared 
for signature, a convention, to remain "in force during 
five' jears,dcclarin^' that " no seamen, nor seafaring per- 
son, should upon the high seas, and without the juii;jdic- 
tioii of either party, be demanded or taken out of an\ 
ship or vesF^cI, belonging to the citizens or subjects 
of one of the parties, by the public or private armed 
ships, or men of war, belonging to, or in the service of 
the other party : and that strict orders should be j;.iv- 
cn for the due observance of the engagement.*' The 
British ministers at iirsi agreed to this arraniremont, 
but they soon insisted on a modiiication of its provi- 
sions, and that the narrow seas should be expres^siy ex-r 
cepted. Mr. King -^ having supposed from the tenor of 
hi^ conversations vvitii Lord St. Vincent-, that the doc- 
trine of mare claiisumwQiilCi not be revived against tlic 
United States on this occasion ; but that Ejiglandwciild 
be content; with the limited jurisdiction or dominion 
over tlie seas, adjacent to her territories, which is as- 
signetl by tlie law of nations to other States, was dif ap- 
pointed, on receiving Lord St. Vincent's communica- 
tion ; and chose rather to :ibandon the negociation than 
to acquiesce in the doctrine it proposed to establish.* 

In order to lull the American government and peo- 
ple into a false security, the British Minister at Wash- 
ington, shortly after the renewal of hostilities in Europe, 
made a formal declaration to tiie; government cf the 
the. United States, that " no blockajile should l;e j^onsid- 
ered as existing,' unless in respect of particuiur j orts>- 



*See Mr.- King's letter to the Secretary of St'.te dat- 
ed. LoiUun, Julv, 18G3. 

B 



"w 



U INTIIODL'CTION. 



1 • 



\:(:\i iTiight )>e actually invested ; ami, then, that the 
>esj'cls bouLil to such ports should not be captured, un^ 
le.4a t'liey had previously beeu warned not to enter 
ftieni." The specious promises j!;iven in this declara-r 
tion Mcrc never realised : Nay, the hostile attitude of 
Great Britain become more and more manifest. 

The cutra,^e of impressment was renewed on a more 
extensive scale ; scarce a vessel from our ports es-f 
caped the loss of a part of its crew, by the arbitrary 
seizares of the pressgang. Fresh blockades were an- 
nounced. The rule of '56 was again enforced in a spir- 
it of more rigorous execution. The commerce of the 
United States v/as cut up in every sea. The question 
of resistance to these accamulatiDg injuries became no 
loncer a party question. Federalists as well as republi- 
■rins on thi^ oiic-aslon, felt the if?.«iignlries offered to their 
co^iTitry's honor. The cold, malignant feelings of party, 
had not thfin extinguished in their bosoms the fire of 
pat .'iotisni. Tne memorial-? of Boston, NewrYork, 
PV-laddnhia. and Baltimore, exist as monuments of fed- 
f : al resentment at the v/ronss of England. The Amer- 
)! ;in people with or*e Ppnit and one voice, called aloud 
for resistence. 

The American government could readily have found 
abimdant argument to prove the justice of a declaration 
:>f war against Great-Britain ; the popular feeling was 
t^xciied to the war key 5 not by art or declamation, but 
LifCtual suffemnc'^'.' 

liawever, Peace being obviously the true policy of 
th^ remibUc, nejrociation was adopted as an alternative 
pj'?3ferable to- wau. ' 

la I §06, Messrs. jNIonroe and I?i,nkney^\verc appoint- 
ed envoys extraordinary to the court of St. Jaiii^, to 



INTRODUCTION. 1.5 

ncsociate v.ith tliv Tiritislv government and obtain, if 
practicable, a redress of grievances. livery authority 
was "iven them for the purposes of conciliation. An 
•ACt^if cgi^ress, prohibiting the importation of certain 
articles of Knplish manufacture into ihQ United states, 
Mas suspended, in proof of an earnest, desire to termi- 
nate the then existing difierences5. Our envoys were 
nevertheless instructed to declare to the British «.e^oci- 
atorjthat the ^' suppression of impressment, and the de- 
finition of blockades, were absolutely indispensable j'' 
and that " without a provision against imprebsment^^, 
00 treaty should be concluded.*' 

The American envoys, infiuenced by a sincere desire 
to cfiect an accommodation of the points in coiitrover- 
F.y 5 kno\\ing the anxiety of the American government 
4a relieve its seafaring citizens, from the abuses of tlic 
imjw:«ss tyranny ; " listening with confidence to assur= 
aaces and explanations of the British comraiesioners | 
in a sense fiivorable to their wishes ; and jud^ Lag frciii 
a state of information, that gave no immediate cause to 
doubt the sufficiency of ihojc assurances and ex-pliiia- 
tions ; the envoys, rather than tonninate the iivgoclatiou 
without any arrangement, were willing tc rely cu tlie 
efJicacy of a substitute, for a positive article in the trea- 
ty, to be submitted to ilia consideration of their govern'- 
mcnt, as this, according to the declaration of tlie Briusii 
commissioners, was the only arrangement, they were 
permitted at that time, to propose or to allow. The sub- 
stitute was presented in the form of a note from the 
British commissioners to the American envoyo and co;i- 
taincd a pledge *• that instructions had been given, and 
should be repeated and enforced, for the observance c»f 
^.he greatest caution in the impressing Eriush becancn 



16 INTRODUCTION, 

[fi-om Ameriean vessels] that the strictest care should 
be taken to preserve the citizens of the Unitefl States 
from any molestation or injury ; and that immediate and 
prompt redress should be aflforded, upon any representa- 
tion of injury sustained by them." 

The American government perceiving that this treaty 
contained no provision against impressment, that when 
it was " under consideration for ratification, the pledge 
contained in tlic substitute -was not comulied with, but 
on the contrary, thatinipressmeiits were continued with 
undjminisiied violence, in the American seas, so long af- 
ter the alledged date of the irxstructioiis, ivhich were to 
:Jrrc.it tliem, that the practical ineflicacy of the substi- 
t^ite covild net be doubted." The ratification cf the trca- 
tv, was conseqently declined. A change in the British 
rr»luistry took place in the folloAving year, when it was 
declared by the Secreta,vy of foreign afrairs* Mr. Canning, 
that no engagements were entered into, on the part of his 
majestv as connected with the, treaty, except such as 
appear upon the face of it 1 

But independent of the proposed treaty; on the great 
topic of complaint, the British commissionerB, Lorda 
jfolland and Aukland, by command of their sovereign, 
delivered a declaration to our envoys, \\hich required 
tliat in case France should carry the threats contained 
in the Berlin decree into execution, ^» the United States 
should jnye security to his Majesty, that they w^ould not 
submit to the French innovations !" That unless this 
rjL;dfrfifor the ^;occl behavior of the United States, were 
o-ivcnJiisMaiesty would not consider himself bound by 
the present signature of his commissioners, to ratify the 
treaty, or precluded from ado})ting such measures as 
Bvl^.;hl seem necessary for counteracting the designs ef 
tiie enemy. 






INTRODUCTION. IT 

The President of the United States couid not ?o far 
forget t]\e duty he owed his countr}^ nor the dignity of 
self respeet, as to ratify a treaty to which such degrad- 
ing conditions were anne:sed. It reserved to Great Bri- 
tain the power of annulling its provisions at pleasure ; 
and made the United States punishable for the offences 
of France. 

The note of the British commissioners was dated oa 
the 31st Decemberl8C6. And on the 7th of January 180r, 
an order of council ordained " that no vessel should be 
permitted ta trade from one port to another both which 
ports should belong to, or be in possession of France, or 
her allies : or should be so far under their control, a3 
that British vessels might not freely trade thereat.''' 
Thus, in less than nine days after the date of the treaty, 
before it was possible for the British government io 
know what course the American government vrould tak? 
respecting the Berlin decree, and before it bad even 
heard of the existence of that decree, the foregoing order 
was announced to extend the circle of depradatiori^s ovi 
American commerce ! 

From this period, to the memorable epoch of tiie 18tH. 
of June, 1812, the insults and aggressions of Great-Bri- 
tain, against the fiag, honor, and independence of the 
United State- were so fi-equent, that a bare rcait&l cf thp 
instances would till a volume of no ordinary 5ii.e. We. 
can only glance at the most prominent. 

The tomahawk was again raised on trie north W5st?rrt 

trontier. Evidence of British excitement accumulated 

The French 74 gun ship L'Imj:eteau:M, went ashore in 

a^gale on the southern coast of the United St^ites ; sh?j 

bad a signal of distress flying. A.Eritish sqiis dj'on' hx - 

preached commenced fir'w^jx ar.d nnrilK* ^uc':e*de«d Ui »fe-'- 

B ^ 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

stroyiiigher; violating at once the jurisdiction, ncutrali* 
tj and independence of the United States. No a- 
toncment was offered for this outrage. 

Up>vards of 50 British ships of war hovered upon the 
toast of the United States, pparently for no other 
object than to harrass our commerce, impress our sea- 
men, outrage our feelings and violate our territory 
and municipal regulations. Nothing is more certain, 
than that thej were not in pursuit of French vessels, he- 
cause so powerful a force v/as not necessary to subdue 
an occasional French privateer which were the only ves- 
sels of that nation that visited the American coast. 

At length our ports become literally blockaded. The 
coasting trade was harrassed and rendered danger- 
ous ; their cargoes were frequently plundered and their 
vessels as often fired on. 

The United States frigate Chesapeake peaceably pros- 
ecuting a distant voyage was wantonly fired into by a 
British 50 gun ship ; many of her crew killed and wound- 
ed and seven forcibly carried away, under the false pre- 
text, that they were British born subjects.* 

This daring and direct attack upon the sovereignty of 
the United States, excited in the breasts of the American 
people, a becoming indignation, but it was soothed in 
some measure by the proclamation of the President inter- 
dicting the entrance of all British armed vessels into the 
harbors and waters of the United States. 

In defiance of this proclamation, the British sloop of 

* One of those unfortunate Americans was hanged at 
Halifax ; another died in captivity ; and the remaining 
five were formally restored at Boston, in the spring of 
1812, after having been held in bondage Jive years, and 
after the British and their partizans in the United States 
h%d declared thsit taey were genuine Briti&h subjects ! 



INTilODUC'lION, 19 

war Driver, Capt. Love, entered the %\alers of the Ches- 
apeake bay, procured water and refreshments ; and in re- 
ply to the order for his withdrawal, compared the Chief 
^lagistrate of the United States, to a " petty tyrant of 
Barbary." 

It is true that tJie British government affected to disap- 
prove and condemn these outrages. But tlie ollicers 
who committed them, were invariably promoted to high- 
er stations. 

While England by her orders in council, pretended to 
be taking steps to restrain the violence of France, and 
to retort upon her the evils of her own injustice, a biisk 
trade was carried on between those tw o rival poM ers. 

Among those nurrierous orders, there appeared the one 
of May 16, 1806, declaring the French, Dutch and Ger- 
man coast from the port of Brest to the river Elbe, in a 
state of rigorous blockade. This order was of prior date 
to the Berlin decree 5 and was, no doubt, the principal 
cause which induced the French Emperor to adopt that 
measure. It ailedged that " Great-Britain declares 
blockaded, places before which she has not a single vessel 
of war ; and even places, which her united forces would 
be incapable of blockading ; such as entire coasts, and a 
whole erapire ; an uneqalled abuse of the right of block- 
ade, that had jno other object, than to interrupt tlie com- 
munications of different nations ; and to extend the 
commerce and industry of England, upon the ruiii of 
those nations." 

This decree was followed by the English orders, in 
council of the 11th of November, 1807, which declared 
tliat " all ports and pl&ces pf France and her allies or of 
any other country at war with his Majesty, and all other 
ports and places in Europe, from w hich although not at 



so iNTRODdCTION. 

war with his Majesty, the British flag was e'xcludef', and 
all ports or places in the colonies-belonging to his Majes- 
ty's enemies, should, from thenceforth, be subject to the 
same restrictions, in point of trade and navigation, as it 
the same were actually blockaded by his Majesty's naval 
forces, in the most strict and rigorous manner." 

When this order was issued not a single application 
of the Berlin decree to the commerce of the United States 
could have been known to the British government; for 
it had been ojfJicially informed by the American minister 
in London, that explanations, uncontradicted by any 
overt act had been given to the American Minister at 
Paris. 

This order contained a clause permitting neutral ves- « 
sels to trade with France from certain free ports on first 
landing the cargo at a British port, and paying a transit 
duty. The effect of this provision, was to render the 
American flag tributary to the British revenue. An A- 
nierican vessel ariiving at Baltimore which had paid this 
duty on some pipes of Gin, it was publicly burnt by the 
patriotic inhabitants ot that city. 

The French Milan decree of Dec. 17, 1807, followed 
the British orders of the 11th of November. The Amer- 
ican government anticipating the measure and still ad- 
hering, too closely, perhaps, to the pacific system of pol- 
icy resolved on withdrawing its flag from the reach and 
effect of the orders, decrees and ships of war of the two 
belligerents. 

Accordingly in December, 1807, an Embargo was im- 
posed on " all American vessels and merchandize." 
Shortly after the passage, it was declared by laM': " that 
in th'e event of such peace, or suspension of hostilities, 
between the belligerent powersof Europe, or such chang- 



INTRODUCTION. Si 

es in their measures effectingneutral commerce, as mignt 
render that of the United States safe, in the judj^ment of 
the President, lie was authorised to suspend the Embar- 
go in whole or in part." 

In March 1809, the pressure of the embargo upon the 
seafaring part of community, induced its renio\al and 
the substituting in its pLice, a system of nonintercourse 
and nonimportation. , But in order tliat thQ door of con- 
ciliation might remain unclosed, it was declared : " that 
the President of the United States should be authorised 
in case either France or Great Britain, should so revoke; 
or modify her edicts^as that they should cease to violate 
the neutral commerce of the United States, to declare 
the same by proclamation ; after which the trade of "the 
United States might be renewed by the nation so doing:-' 

"This appeal to the justice of the belligerents was as ih-* 
eiTectual, as though it had been made to the lion and tygef. 
This determined the American government to take a 
more firm stand. Tlie French and British ships of war 
wore excluded from th^ harbors of the United States^ 
with an offer, that if either of those powers should, before, 
the 3d of March 1811, so revoke, or modify her edicts, 
as that thev should cease to violate the commerce of the 
United States, and if the other nation should not withm 
three months thereafter, so revoke, or modify her edicts 
in like manner, the provisions of the nonintercourse and 
nonimportation law should, at the ex|;iration of three 
months be revived against the nation refusing or neglect- 
ing to revoke or modify its edicts*" 

Thus, France and England were placedupon a foot- 
ing of equality, as itrespected our restrictive operations, 
and the exclusion of their armed vessels from our poits, 
although England was the originiil aggressor, and al- 



m INTRODUCTION. 

thougli her means (if annoyance were four timcB as great 
as those of France ; and the latter power had never im- 
pressed American seamen ; nor instigated the savages to 
massacre our defenceless frontier inhabitants. 

About the middle of Apnl, 18Q9, an, event occurred' 
that diSused a general joy througliout the United States, 
and promised to lead to a speedy reconciliation between 
the American and British nations. Mr. Erskinc, the 
British minister, resident at Washington, affirmed that" 
** he was autliorised to declare that his Britannic majes- 
ty's orders in council of January and November, 1807, 
wll hayebeen withdravi^n, as respects the United States, 
on the ICth of June 1809.^' 

The President of the United States believing that the 
diScial. declaration of an accredited British minister was 
sufficient evidence of the sincerity of his government, 
did not hesitate to announce by proclamation " that af* 
ter the 10th of June next, the trade of the U. S. with 
G. Britain^ as suspended by the nonintercourse law, 
might be renewed," This arrangement was disavowed 
by the British government' — ^which denied the authority 
©f its minister, recalled him, and appointed a succes* 
sar. The disavowal was, however, de<2med an act of 
perfidy by many in the United States. In one instance, 
at l<3ast, a " federal" meeting was convened v/hich 
im^oked " the arm of almighty vengeance, the light- 
Bing of heaven, and the united energies of the A- 
merican people, to punish the perfidious nation of Eng- 
land," 

Mr. Jackson, the successor of Mr. Erskine, attempt- 
ed to justify the rejection of the convention of 1809, 
.fey referring to i)\Q American rejection of the treaty of 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

i80G; but the two cases were not in point. In the 
first instance, the An>cripan negociators had exj)licltly 
apprised the British government of their defect of pow- 
er ; besides ihey did not agree to subscribe to condi- 
tions contained in the note of the British commission- 
ers, annexed to the treaty of 180G. Jn the last case, 
the British minister professed to be fully authorised, 
and the exoxution of the Erskine arrangement had al- 
ready commenced. Mr. Jackson, in Ins zeal to excul- 
pate his court; made insinuations which were in- 
dignantly repelled J and produced his dismissal. 

On the 5th August 1810, the Frenchminister of foreign 
relations announced to Gen. Armstrong, the American 
minister at-Paris, that in consideration of the act of the 
1st of May, 1809, by which the congress of the U. S. 
jEngaged to oppose itself lo that one of the belligerent 
powers, which should refuse to acknowledge the rights 
of neutrals, he was authorised to declare, that the de- 
crees of Berlin and Milan were revoked, and that after 
the 1st of November, 1810, they v/ould cease to have 
effect: it being understood, that in consequence of 
that declaration, the Enfflish should r revoke their orders 
in council, ancl renounce the nev/ principles of block- 
ade, wldch they had wished to establisli : or that tlie 
TJ. S. coiiformabiy to the act of coiijrre?.^, should cause 
their rights to be rcFpected by the English." 

As in the case of tlie arrangement with the British 
minister Erskine, so the President with reSpect to this 
declaration of the French minister Cadore. A procla- ' 
niation was issued on tlie 2d of November, 1810, .an- 
nouncing <' that the edicts of France had been so revoked 
as that tiic/ ceased on tlie first day cf the sam<i month 
to \iolate the comincree of thCjU, S.jJ 'and^that all the 



24 INTRODUCTION, 

regtrictions imposed by the act of congress, should t'li^n 
cease and be discontinued, in relation to France and 
her dependencies.'^' 

At the date of three months from this proclamation, 
the nonintercourse and nonimportation laws were to be 
revived against G. Britain, unless, during that period, 
her orders in council should be revoked. New appeals 
were in vain made to British justice. The American 
jiiinister at London repeatedly reminded the British 
government of its pledge, to repeal its offensive edicts 
pari passu with her antagonist. It was at one time al- 
leged, in reply, that satisfactory proof of the repeal of 
the French decrees was not afforded. At another, it was 
insisted that the repeal oiight to have been total, apply? 
iDg equally to their internal and external effects. »' As 
if, the U. S. had either the right, or the power, to impose 
upon France the law of her domestic institutions." Fi- 
nally Lord Castierea£-h insisted "that the decrees of 
Berlin and Milan must not be repealed singly 'and spe- 
c^ialiy, in relation to the' U, Si ; but must be repealed',' 
also, as to all other- neutral hations'; and in no less ex- 
tent of a repeal of the French decrees, had tlie British 
government ever pledged itself to repeal the orders in 
council." *• As if it were incumbent on the U. S. not 
only to assert her own' rights, but to become the coad- 
jutor of the^ British government, in a gratuitous asser- 
tion of tlie riglits of all other nations." 

Such was the sophistry and preposterous arguments 
oi the British diplomatic agents, in their comments on 
llie pretended nonrepeal of. tlie French decrees. But 
tlieir arguments were anvply refuted by the able replies 
of Mr. Russell, the y.\mcncaii reBident minister at 
[ London. 



INTRODUCTION. 05 

In the ji^ean v.lille, (he American govtrnment opcrcd 
for the List tiiue the door of accotnnioilation. An act 
of congress of J811, again provided that *• if Cjeat 
J?ritaiji should eo revoke or modify her edicts as tliat 
tliev shall cense to violate i\w neutral commerce of the 
U. S. the presivient of t'le \J,S. should declare the fact 
by proclamation, aud tliat the restrictions previously 
^inposed, should from the date of such proclamation, 
cease and be discontinued." 

Nevertheless, Great Britain continued her orders in 
council — 'lier impressments — ^lier intrigues w itli v'^pain — 
her instigations of the savages residing near the U. S. 
western frontiers. At this period lier crviizers had 
captured nearly 1000 sail of our merchant vessels — 
and impressed into her naval service more than six 
tliousand seamen, who claimed to lie American, and 
■who were denied all opportunity to >erify their claiins. 
To these energetic provocatives to resistance on the 
part of the American people^ -were added, th.e disclo- 
,sures of tlie ;iccredited British agent, John Henry, af- 
fording ample evidence that the Britisli government 
had. in a penod of peace and negcciation, endeavored 
to alienate and detach the people of tlie New England 
states from tlieir government.* 

The voices of agreat nuijorily of the American peo- 
ple was loud for a vindication of their rights by aa 
a])peal to the sword. Accordingly, congrefes pro- 
iiounced a solemn ijiiid deliberate declaration of war 
against Great Britain And her dependencies, on the mc- 
porAble lath of June, 1812,, 

* See appendix, P. 



HISTORY, &c. 

March of Gen, Hvll to Detroit. 



Ti 



HE hostility of the Indian tribes living on tlie wa- 
ters of lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, the defenceless 
state of the Michigan territory, and the probability of a 
war with England were, no doubt, the principal reasons 
.which governed the Executive of the United States, in 
its determination to display a respectable military force 
on the borders of the Straits separating the Lakes 
Erie and St. Clair. 

In April, 1812, a requisition v. as made by the Presi- 
dent, for 1200 of the militia of the state of Ohio, who 
were to be found by the 4th regiment of U. S. troops 5 
then on their way from Vincennes. In obedience to 
the call, Gov. Meigs, with his usual promptitude, issur-d 
orders to the Major Generals of the western and mid- 
dle divisions, to furnish their respective quotas of men, 
who were to rendezvous at Dayton, on the 29th of the 
same month. 

On this occasion,v/e know not which most to admire, 
the unv/earied exertions of the governor, or ih^ patTiof- 
ic zeal of all classes of the people. In a few days the 
requisition was more than complied with. Citizens of 
the first distinction w^ere among the foremost to ^nrol 
their names. "With a celerity never to he equalled iri a 
new country, volunteers collected from every part of 



•:8 - HISTORY OF 

tho stafe. No one wn^ seen attempting to evade his 
enun try's call : the contention was? who should be first to 
a.vtnge her wrongs. Noble sons of Ohio ! your patriot- 
>«;n and valor are worthy tJie blessed soil you inhabit ! 
Long; long may you enjoy that peace which you have 
so gallantly contributed to conquer. 

Having elected their ofTicers,* and made the necessary 
domestic arrangements, they exchanged the endearments 
of HOME, for the toils, and dangers of the camp, and 
©ommeaced their march for Dayton, where they arriv- 
ed before any preparation had been made for their 
* reception. Neither tents nor the necessary cooking 
letensils had arrived. The troops havingleft their homes 
In haste, many had forgotten to furnish themselres, with 
blankets, articles of essential importance to a s-oIdier''& 
comfort. They remained several days without huts or 
sheds, exposed to the inclemency of the season. But 
this was not sufficient to cool their ardor ; they were 
impatient to commence their march for Detroit^ 

* Of the first regiment of Ohio volunteers, Duncan 
M'Arthurf was elected colonel ; James Denny and Wm. 
' A. Trimble, majors. Of the second, James f'inley, col. 
Thomas Moore and Thomas B. Van Home, majors. Of 
the third, liCwis Cass, colonel ; Robert Morrison and 
Jeremiah R. Munson, majors. 

t When Col. M' Arthur received orders to furnish 
iiis quota from his division, he addressed his fellow-cit- 
izens, and aftei- a handsome exposition of the causes, 
and live necessity of an appeal to arms, said — " Volun- 
teers from every part of the division will be accepted 
until the number required be made up. I shall myself 
be one ^f them. Should the detachment from the second 
division, think proper to honor me with the command, 
I will accept of it, otherwise, I will cheerfully shoulder 
my firelock and march in tlis ranks." 



THE L ATK WAR. 29 

By the middle of May, the troops were provided with 
blankets, tent.^, and other necessary camp equipage, and 
had become tolerably expert in the most useful military 
evolutions. Brigadier General William Hull, who had 
been appointed by government to conduct the. expedi- 
tion, having arrived, the encampment was changed from 
the commons at Dayton, to a prairie on the west-bank of 
Mad River, three miles distant. 

Governor Meigs having assembled and organised the 
troops, in obedience to the orders of the secretary if 
war, had now only to surrender the command of them 
over to General Hull. The 25th of May was agreed on. 
as the day for transferring the command. Thebrigatle 
was formed into close columns, and the governor ad - 
addressed the troops in a style calculated to make a 
deep impression. ... 

" Ojjicers and soldiers of the first army of Ohioy 

" Collected suddenly and rapidly frora various part* 
of the state, you have manifested a zeal, worthy of a 
free people. You Mill soon be completely organized, 
and I trust, that hai-mony wiH forever continue. Al- 
ready you have made considerable advances in disci- 
pline : you will improve ; it will soon become easy, fa- 
miliar and agreeable. Subordination is the soul of 
discipline ; order, safety and victory are its resuit=. 
Honor consists in anho-norabledischargeof duty, what- 
ever may be the rank. Respect each other ac c ording t > 
your stations. O^c^rs, be to your men as parents 1> 
children : Men, regard your officers; as fathers. . Vou 
will soon march. " My heart will alMays be with v^i;,. 
The prayer* of all good citizens will attend r-fu.^' 

C2 



30 ' HISTORY OF 

He llianked them in the name of the President of the 
United States, and informed them that the second arm;y 
was organizing, and would follow if necessary. 

General Hull followed. — '^ Tlie manner in which 
governor Meigs has delivered over to my command, this 
part of the army, has excited sensations vihich Istrongly 
feel, but- which it is difficult for me to express j-r-His 
great exertions, and the talents he has displayed in as- 
aonibling, disciplining, and preparing in every respect, 
for actual service, so respectable a military force, are 
known to you, and will be fully known to his country ; 
this knowledge of his country will be his highest eulogi- 
um. Lohg may he live, and long may he adorn his ele- 
vated station. 

" The crisis has now arrived, wlien our country has 
deemed it necessary to call into the field her patriotic 
sons. The spirit which has been manifested on this oc- 
casion, is highly honorable to the officers and soldiers, 
who compose this army, and the section of the union to 
which you belong. You have exhibited, to the elder 
part of the country, an example wortliy of imitation. 
Citizens, distinguished for talents and wealth, have made 
a voluntary tender of their services, to defend the viola- 
ted r'ights of the nation. Such men are entitled to the 
fair inheri'tancc, which was purchased by the valor and 
blood of their fathers. A country with such a defence 
has nothing to fear. In any possible exigence, it is en- 
vironed with a bulwark of safety. To officers and sel- 
di era who have engaged in the public service with such 
honorable and patriotic motives,, it is unnecessary to 
urge the importance of regularity and discipline, or the 
necessity of subordination and obedience to orders. 
The same sptit which induced you Y«jluutanly to engage 



THE LATE WAK. 51 

in the service of jour country, uill animate you in tlie 
discharge of your duties. With patience you ^vill sub- 
mit to the privations and fatigues of a military life, and 
if you should be called to meet danger in the lie Id, you 
will manifest the sincerity of your engagements by the 
firmness and bravery of your conduct. In marching 
throuMi a wilderness, memorable for savage barbaritv, 
you will remember the causes by which tliat barbarity 
has been excited. In viewing the ground stained with 
the blood of your fellow citizens, it w ill be impossible to 
suppress the feelings of indignation. Passing by the ru- 
ins of a fortress, erected in our territory by a foreign 
nation, in times of profound peace, and for the express 
purpose of exciting the savages to hostility, and supply- 
ing them with the means of conducting a barbarous war, 
must remind you of that system of oppression and injus- 
tice, which that nation has continually practiced ; and 
which the spirit of an indignant people can no longer en- 
dure. If it is impossible that time should obliterate the 
remembrance of past transactions, what will be the im- 
pressions on the present occasion ? The wrongs ofti.e 
same nation have been continually accumulating, and 
have at length compelled our country to put on the armor 
of safety, and be prepared to avenge the injuiics which 
have been inflicted. 

« In a few days you will be joined by a body of troopa 
of the U. S. army* Among them, you will have the plea- 
sure of seeing the fourth regiment of infantry, the gal- 
lant heroes of Tippecanoe. They m ill actl»y your side?,^ 
in your approaching campaign, and. while they will ba 
ambitious to maintain, and if possible, to increase the 
glory they, hare already acquired, your conduct will be 
stimulated by the splendor of their example, and you vni\ 



Sii / HISTORY OF 

be inspired with ambition to acquire laUrels, at least as 
brilliant as those thej deservedly wear. , That harmony 
and fiiendship may pervade this army, and that glory 
and fame may attend it in its movements, are wishes in 
^vhich I am confident, you will all heartily join." 

At the close of the General's address, the. troops un- 
covered and gave six cheers, as testimonials of respect 
for their beloved chief magistrate and their new com- 
mander.* 

Every thingheiti;;in readiness fortlie departure of the 
• troops, they took their line of march on the 1st of June. 
Arrived at Staunton, a small town on the east bank of 
the ISIiami, they remained stationary until the 6th. 

At the departure of the army from Dayton, it was sup- 
posed that the river Miami was navigable, and that a 
considerable part of the baggage could be conveyed in 
boats to fort Loramie^but on learning tb.e impracticabil- 
ity of sending the baggage by water tlie General gave or- 
ders to the troops to maich to Uibana, where they ar- 
rived on the rth. 

On the 8th a council was held by General Hull, and 
Governor Meigs, with twelve Indian Chiefsf who had 

* The appearance of General Hull was venerable 
and prepossessing. Beneath snowy locks of 60 winters 
bleaching,he exhibited a countenance as fresh and bloom- 
ing as a youth of 18, His eloquence is perspicuous and 
graceful. 

t The names of these chiefs \yere Ta-he, Shanato, Scu- 
tush, Monaham, Dew-e-sew, chiefs of the Wyandot 

. tribe ; Catawepasa, Cut-a-we-pa, Pi-a-ge-ha, Pi-ta-ha-ge, 
Kit-e-kish-e-mo, Na-ha-sa-co-the, chitfs of the Shawa- 
noies tribe ; Ma-tha-me, of the Mingo tribe. Several of 
these chiefs were attached to General 1 farrison's army, 

. and were in the battle of the Thames. Ta-he, in his 
speech to Governor Meigs, observed, " Tlie eye of the 



THE LATE WAR. 35 

come in for lliat purpose. It was agreed to renew the 
treaty, of Greenville. After smoking the calumet of 
peace, both parties called on the Great Spirit to witness 
the sincerity of their professions. The Indians appeared 
honest in their declarations, and readily gave permis- 
sion to General Hull, to march his army tlirough their 
territory, and establish as many garrisons as he might 
deem necessary for his protection. They agreed to 
furnish ihe army all tlie assistance in their power, and 
and to apprise the General of the movemeut& of hostile 
Indians should they meditate an attack. 

Tlie 4th regiment which had so gloriously distinguish- 
ed itself at Tippecanoe arrived on the 10th, within a 
few miles of the encampment. Arrangements were 
made to receive them in a becoming manner. A trium- 
phal arch was erected, adorned with an eagle, and the 
words " Tippecanoe — glory y* the regiments of Cols. 
M'Arthur and Cass, marched to a prairie, about a mile 
from town, for the purpose of escorting them in. The 
Ohio troops having formed a line, the veteran heroes 
emerged from a wood at a short distance, and appeared 
in front of the line, with Col. Miller at their head. The 
customary salutations being exchanged, they were con- 
ducted through the triumphal arch into camp. The 
commanding general deemed the occasion of sufficient 
importance to require the issuing of a general order con- 
ceived in the following words : 

" The General congratulates the army on the arrival 
of the fourth United States regiment. The first army 

Great Spirit is not only on all our actions, but sees 
our hearts. He placed us here as brothers, and as we 
lieve, requires that we live together as brothers ought 
to do." 



54 HISTORY OF 

of Ohio will feel a pride in being associated witK a regi- 
ment so distinguished for its valor and discipline. The 
General is persuaded there will be no other contention 
in this army than, which shall most excel in discipline 
and bravery. Whatever the rank of the regiment, or to 
whatever description it belongs, it will in reality, be 
the first regiment in the army. The patriots of Ohio, 
yielding to none in sipirit and patriotism, will not be 
willing to yield to any in discipline and valor." 

On the 11th of June Col. M'Arthur's regiment was 
detached to open a road as far as the Scioto river. Hav- 
ing passed Mannery's Blockhouse and Solomon -s tov/n, 
a small Indian village, near the boundary line, the de- 
tachment commenced its labors through an extensive 
region of excellent lev^l land; 

Having gained the river, they commenced building 
two block houses, on the South side of the Scioto, each 
20 by 24 feet, connected by a strong stockade. This 
post was called Fort M 'Arthur. 

On the evening of the 19th, Gen. Hull arrived with 
the residue of the army, and encamped on the north 
side of the river, and on the 21st, Col. Finley's regi- 
ment was detached for the purpose of cutting the road 
to Blanchard's fork of the Auglaize. 

On the next morning moved forward, with the excep- 
tion of part of Capt Dill's company, which was left at 
Fort M'Arthur, for the double purpose of protecting the 
sick, and defending the fort, in case of attack. 

The following was the formation of the army as 
announced in a are^^eral order. The 4th U. S. redment 
on the right, Col. M^ Arthur's on the left ; Col. Finley 
on the left of the 4th, and Col. Cass on the right of Col. 
M^\rthar ^ the cavalry on the right of the whole. In 



THE LATE WAR. 55 

marching, the riflemen of the respective regiments form- 
ed the flank guards, and on the days the army marched, 
they were excluded from other duty. 

From fort M' Arthur to the rapids of Miami, is 150 
miles 5 the route of the army was through a thick and 
almost trackless forest ; through a. country -vyhere nu- 
merous creeks and rivers have their orio-in. The soil 
of the land was rich and moist. As there w^ere a great 
many baggage v/aggons attached to the army, it became 
necessary to open a road iha whole distance. The 
weather was rainy, and man and horse had to travel 
midleg deep in mud 5 frequently the van had to halt 
for the rear, which was as often detained in its march 
in relieving waggons and horses from the mire. T\\ elve 
miles from the vSciotc, the r.rmy encamped on a swam- 
py piece of grounds where ihe mud \vas ancle deep in 
t}iQ tents. Here a block house was .erected and appro- 
priately named " Fort Necessity.'** At this place, the 
General received dispatches froni Mr. At'A;ater, the act- 
ing governor of the Michigan territory.! 

* Vie will here mention a fact of little importance in 
itself, indeed, if it did not serve to evince the want of 
decision in the commander in chief. In consequence 
of the baggage waggons not being able to keep pace m ith 
the anny, every man in camp, capable of making a pack 
saddle, was detailed for the purpose 5 the General hav- 
ing ordered the baggage to be conveyed on pack horses; 
after a sufiicient number was made, the order was re- 
scinded X and the waggons proceeded as usual. 

t Shortly after the General's arrival at Dayton, he 
sent Robert Lucas, and William Denny to Detroit, with 
dispatches for Mr. Atwater. Gen. Lucas gave the Gen- 
eral a very unfavorable account of the state of affairs in 
the territory. He v.as present at several councils beld 
by Mr, Atwater, with the Chiefs of the Wyandot, Ottor . 



36 HISTORY OF 

The army consumed three days in marching from 
yort N-ec-essitv to Fort Findley.which stands on a hand- 
some eminence on the west side of Blanchard's fork. 

On the 26th of June, the day previous to the army's 
leaving this place, Col. Dunlap arrived express from 
Chillicothe, with dispatches from the secretary of war 
to General Hull, which although confidential, were be- 
lieved by the troops,to contain official intelligence of the 
declaration of War, as the General ordered all the heavy 
camp equippage to be left at Fort Findley. The balance 
of Capt DilFs company were stationed in the fort. Col. 
Cass' regiment were detached to open the road from 
thence to the Miami rapids. 

way and Chippewa tribes, who expressed tli«ir intention 
4o be friendly, except Walk -in-the -water ^ of the Wyan- 
tlot nation, who declared that the American government 
w\as improperly interfering by sending an army into the 
countrv which would stop th.eir communications with 
Canada^ and <?bserved that the Indians were their own 
masters, and wou]d go where they pleased. Gen. Lucaji 
from his opportunities, observation and intelligence Avns 
enabled to communicate much valuable information. It 
appeared evident that the British had convehed large 
bodies of Indians at Maiden, who were supplied with 
arms and ammunition, and were ready to strike on our 
frontiers at the signal of tl\e British. Fort Detroit, he 
represented as by no m^eans prepar^ed for defence, and 
that the American citizens wei\e much pleased that an 
army was approaching for their protection. He ascer- 
tained Maiden to be in a defenceless situation. Gen. 
Lucas resides in Scioto county, Ohio — his conduct dur- 
ing the whole campaign was such a^to entitle him to the 
highest credit. In the language of a correspondent, 
." As a spy he was prudent and brave ; as a soldier, he 
has no superior—to a correct knowledge of military tac- 
tics, he unites those principles of correct policy, whi^^^ 
adorns the man.'* - ''^ 



THE LATE WAR. S/ 

Th-e SOtli was a joyous day, the army suddenly emerg- 
ed from a gloomy wilderness of 150 miles extent, im- 
pervious almost to the cheering rays of the sun. unmark- 
ed by a solitary trace of the hand of civilization, to a 
full view of the broad Miami and its Elysian banks. 
Never was the power of contrast more sensibly felt ; in 
their rear stood a boundless forest, the abode of fright- 
ful beasts of prey and unrelenting savages — -before them 
was presented to their ravished senses a scene at once 
gay and magnificent beyond description. Under their 
eves rolled abeautiful river ; on its opposite margin rose 
a smiling village ; to the right and the left as far as the 
eve could reach, were seen enamelled meadows clad in 
the rich luxuriance of g, summer''s dress. 

A beam of joy animated every countenance, the con- 
templation of the beauties of tlie scene gave fresh energy 
to the almost exhausted spirits of the men, and repaid 
them for the fatigues of a long and dreary march. The 
day was spent in fishing, washing and in the usual re- 
laxation of military life. At this place a small scliooner 
was engaged to carry a quantity of baggaj^e belonging to 
the army, to Detroit. About 30 ofHcers and privates 
were put on board, to whose protection it was intrusted. 
Complete muster rolls of every company in the briaade* 
were made out, deposited in the ti-unk, and put on board 
t}\Q schooner. It is even said tiiat the Ge)ieraPs trunk, 
containing his instructions, and a copy of the act declar- 
ing war against G. Britain, was also put on board ilie ves- 
sel. Fatal error ! The British being apprised of the ex- 
istence of war, captured the schooner and made prison- 
ers of the passengers and crew.* 

* An open boat contianing the sick atrached to the av- 
mv. accompanied the schooner and shj^red the same fair. 

D 



Q8 HISTORY OF 

Lieut Robert Davidson, and twent^^-five men, of Col, 
Cass' regiment, were left at the rapids for the purpose 
of building a block house — the army continued its march 
through a beautiful country interspersed with French 
settlements. At the river La Loutre, a party of twenty 
five Indians of the Ottaway tribe came in with a white 
flag. Like those at Urbana, they professed friendship 
and solicited permission to march with the troops. 

On the evening of the 2d of July, the Colonels of each 
regiment, communicated to their men the intelligence 
that the General had received official information of the 
declaration of war against Great Britain ; they at the 
same time urged the necessity of strict subordination, 
ai^d distributed among the troops the requisite supply 
of cartridges. 

On the moriiing of the 4th the army reached Huroij 
livor, C:l miles from Detroit, and 6 from Maiden. 
J'Vom reports which the General had heard, he was in-? 
<Uiced to expect an attack from the Indians, at this 
pliice. The day was spent in various ceremonials of 
military parade. The line of battle was formed imme-? 
vJiately on the arrival of the troops, while tlie pioneers 
v/ere engaged in throwirig a bridge over the river, not 
aiove than 1£ yards v/ide and fordable in many places ; 
the men were under arms tlie whole day ; during the 
yiight half of the troops were on guard.* These pru- 
dential measures remind one of the maxims of the 
Great Frederick.—*'^ Suj/erjluous jirecaiition, is prefer ' 
able to n^'^lect,^^ 

* The Generai-s plan of encampment at night, on 
th.^ march froj.H Urbana to Detroit, was a hollow square. 
defended generally by d^ temporary breastwork q|' 



THE LATE WAR. 59 

On the. jtli, the army marched at an earlj hour aiitl 
f^ncamped at 8prin»- Wells, three miles below Detrroii, 
in the evening. The next dav he issued the following 
general order : 

" Brigadier general Hull presents his thanks, and 
he likewise considers it his duty ta present the thanks 
of the country, to the oflicers and soldiers^oi this arjnv, 
lor the firm and persevering spirit they have mani- 
fested in their marcli from Vincennes, and the Ohro 
river, to this place ; the obstructions of nature liave 
been removed by tlieir persevering industry, and their 
march has been almost as rapid, as if those obstructions 
had not existed. They have proved by their conduct 
the sincerity of their engagements. 

'^ The commanding officer of the militia of this ter- 
ritory, will make a return to tlie brigade major of the 
volunteers, of all the militia now in service, distin- 
guishing the diftcrent descriptions. 

" The garrisons of Detroit, Michilimackinac, Chi- 
cago and Fort Wayne, being placed by the president 
of the United States, under the command of brigadier 
general Hull, the commanding officers of those gar- 
risons are informed, that congress has declared war 
against Great Britain, and they will immediately 
place their garrisons in the best possible state of de- 
fence, and make a return to brigade major Jessup, at 
Detroit, of the quantity of provisions the contractor 
has on hand at their respective posts, the num.ber of 
officers and men, ordnance and military stores of every 
kind, and the public property of all kiiids. The 
springs of water near this encampment will be dug 
oat in a manner best to sirpply the army, and vault-* 
^vill be sunk under the direction of the quarter master 



40 HISTORY OF 

General. The armorers under Capt. Thorp will atteiitl 
solely for the present, to repairing the arms." 

Note, — Having foUoweLl Gen. HtiU to Detroit, we* 
shall now leave him encamped at the Spring Well;^, 
until \\t give the reader a geographical view of the 
^lichlgan Territory, and such parts of Upper Canada, 
as were tlic scenes of the. General's military operations. 



THE LATE WAR. M] 



A Viexv of the Michigan Territory^ Uc: 

JL HIS territory is bounded south by the sta.te of 
Ohio and the Indiana Territory, from wiaich it in sepa- 
rated by a line dra^wn due east from the south westerly 
bend of Lake Michigan, until it intersects Lake Erie, 
or Detroit river.* West by a line drawn from the said 
south westerly bend through the middle of Lake Mich- 
igan to its most northern extremity ,t which separates it 
from the Illinois territory, from thence due north t* 
the treaty line in the middle of Lake Superior .• north 
and east it is bounded by Upper Canada, from which it 
is separated by a small part of Lake Superior, St. Ma- 
ry's river, Lake Huron, St. Clair river and lake, and 
. Detroit river. 

* This line has never been run; it is therefore un- 
certain where it would intersect Lake Erie. A itar.- 
ute of an observation taken by a British gentlemarr, 
makes the latitude of the souther^ extremity of Lake. 
Michigan a degree and a half south of Detroit. This 
would carry the line entirely south of Lake Erie, 
Many oral conrmunications represent the soutl:ern ex- 
tremity of lake Michigan as nearly west of Detroit. Be- 
fore the war the American government had takeri. meas^- 
ures to reinqve this anibiguity, but were pre vented^ by 
the hostile demonstrations of the Indians resident in.tl.e 
country through v.-iiich the boundary passes. Diu-ir.'^ 
this uncertainty, the mouth of the Miami-of-tbe-Ialc 
has been assumed as the line. 

t \t is uncertain whether the northern extremity of 
Lake Michigan is in Green Bay, or at the intermedial;! 
point between Green Eay and tl-e s^trait ox iMicMiiinac^ 
mac, D '^, 



42 HISTORY OF 

Tlie greatest length of the territory from south east 
to north west is 500 miles ; from north east to south 
west west is given at 300, The number of square 
miles, both of land and water, is estimated at 150,000. 
It includes two peninsulas of unequal size. The largest 
is formed by the waters of the rivers St. Joseph and 
Miami-of-the-lakes, lake Erie, Detroit river, St. Clair 
lake and river, and lakes Huron and Michigan, and 
contains nearly the whole population, which, according 
to the last census, was 4,762, of which 1000 are of the 
military age. 

Numerous streams and rivers water this part of the 
territory. Those that fall into lake Erie are, the 
Miami, I>a Loutre, Aux Raisins, Aux Rochers, Sables, 
Swan Creek, Huron ; into Detroit river run the Aux 
Ecorces and Rouge rivers ; into the strait St. Clair, 
runs the river Huron. 

The channel between lakes St. Clair and Huron, is 
twenty five miles in length 5 and presents on either 
Ade a scene no less fertile than pleasing. It runs al- 
..most in a straight direction, li'.ed by lofty ferest trees, 
interspersed with elegant and extensive meadows, and 
studded v.ith islands, some of which are of considers- 
Me size. 

On the south side of lake Huron is the bay of Sa- 
«-aina, whose mouth is eighteen miles in width, whose 
d'eRsrth is fortv five miles, and into which two consider- 
able rivers empty themselves. The principal one 
comes from the south, on the banks of which the Otta- 
ways have a village 5 and the soil in said to be ex- 
tremely for tile. Six miles above the bay two respectable 
rivers present themselves ; between these and (he 
north v,est angle of the peninsula empty into the lake 
a number of large streams. 



THE LATE WAR. 43 

■ 

The strait between lakes Huron and Michigan, is 
fifteen miles in length, and is subject to a flux and re- 
flux. The current flows with great rapidity. 

A great number of rivers and rivulets, which have 
their sources in the interior of the peninsula, fall into 
lake Michigan. The principal of these are Morq^iptte, 
St. Nicholas, Grande river (whose source is near the 
bay of Sagiana) Raisin, Barbuey Maramr, Le Noir,. 
(or Black river) and the river St. Joseph, Yvhich is the 
most considerable of the whole, and which, through its 
various sinuasities, may be ascended near a hundred 
and fifty miles. At sixty miles from its mouth, the 
French had a fort and mission. At the distance of 
nine or ten miles from the St. Joseph are found the 
sources of the Theakiki, navigable for canoes, and 
which falls into the lUenois. 

From the mouth of the mer Miami to the outlet of 
lake Huron, at short intervals, the country is settled on 
a continued line, without any settlements in the rear, if 
we except those on the Aux Raisins, Rouge and Huron.. 

The length and narrowness of the line of settlements 
exposes the Inliabitants in a peculiar manner to the 
inroads of the savages, and to be cut oft' in detail. 
Nothing could have preserved them but the predilec- 
tion of the Indians for the French character. 

The soil of the great peninsula is in most places of 
an excellent quality. The settled parts produce fine 
crops ; the land on the margin of lake Michigan is^ 
lic;ht and sandy ; a few miles from the lake it is known 
to be rich. At Detroit, and aloBg the river and lake 
St. Clair, the land rises gradually from the water, to 
the distance of a quarter of a mile, generally, and then 
recedes until the country becomes low and level, and 



44 mSTORYOF 

continues so for four or live miles, when it vises by 
degrees and acquires suffcient dryness for the various 
purposes of cultivation. The road from the Rapids of 
Miami to Detroit, and from thence to the river Huron, 
passes for the most part over dry land, and through 
numerous groves of lofty timber. All accounts from 
the interior concur in representing it as a fine country 
well adapted to inland navigation. 

" The country in every direction is beautiful, present- 
ing a most sublime prospect. There are no hills to be 
seen : a champaign country, the greater part prairie, 
affording inexhaustible grazing, and presenting the 
most delightful natural meadows, and the grass cured 
would be almost equal to our hay ; there are also vast 
forests of valuable timber, and the soil exceedingly rich. 
The rivers have their sources from swamps, and some- 
times from delightful inland lakes. It is not unfrequent 
to see two opposite streams supplied by the same water 
or lake, one running into the waters of the Mississippi, 
the other into the northern lakes. Neither China nor 
Holland ever had such natural advantages for inland 
water communications."* 

The Indians are yet the legitimate possessors of 
nine tenths of the soil of the territory, and are far 
more numerous than the white inhabitants. There are 
villages on the rivers Aux Raisins, Rouge and Huron, 
and at Maguago and Brownstown, all the vicinity of 
the white settlements ; but a far greater part inhabit 
the rivers that fall into the Sagaina bay and lake Michi- 

* This paragraph is in the words of an intelligent cor- 
respondent, who was attached to Col. R. M. Johnson's 
regiment in its excursion from Fort Wayne to the banks 
of tine St. Joseph, of lake Michigan, in the spring of 1813. 



THE LATE War. 4i 

gah. They consist of Wyandots, Ottaways and Potte- 
wattemies. 

The lesser peninsula separates lake Michigan from 
lake Superior. It is a tongue of land about 90 miles 
in length, and 36 in breadth. The sterility of its soil 
renders it of very little importance, other than in a 
military point of vldAt. At the entrance of lake Michi- 
gan, and about twenty miles to the west of Fort Mich- 
ilimackinac) is the viliage of L'Arbre Croche, inhab- 
ited by a band of Ottawas, boasting of 250 fighting men. 
Here is settled a French missionary priest, who resides 
on a farm. They are considerably civilized, and raise 
corn for the market of Michimackinac. 

In addition to the two peninsulas already mentioned, 
are numerous islands, constituent parts of the territory, 
and situated in the straits and in the lake. The most 
important of these is Michilimackinac, situated at the 
north west angle of lake Huron, towards the entrance 
of the clvannel, wliich forms the communication with 
lake Michigan, in about 46 degrees of north latitude. 
It is of a round form, irregularly elevated, and light 
sandy soil. The Fort* consists of four wooden block- 

* In 1762, the Saakie and Chippeway Indians sur- 
prised the British garrison, ajid massacred nearly every 
sOul. The success and ingenuity of the stratagem ren- 
ders it interesting to military readers. These Indians 
have a game they call bag-gat-iwai/ ; it is played with 
a bat and ball. The bat is about four feet in length, 
curved and terminating in a kind of racket. T^^ o 
posts are planted in the ground at the distance of half 
a mile or more. Each party has its post, and the game 
consists in throwing tlie ball up to the post of the ad- 
versary. The ball, at the beginning, is placed in the 
middle of the course, and each party endeavors to di- 
vert the ball from its own post, and to throv,' it into 



46 HISTORY OF 

houses formin;^; the Angles, the spaces between tiiein 
being filled up with cedar pickets — it has an area of 
two acres. There are heiglits Vvithin cannon shot dis- 
tance that overlook the fort. Eetween the fort and 
tlie water are several stores and about SO dwelliue: 
houses. The houses are neat in their appearance, and 
.tolerably commodious ; there is a church in which mass 
is said. While in possession of the British, the place 
was the general rendezvous of the north west traders 
and the Indians they supplied. Here the out .fits were 
prepared for tlie countries of lake Michigan and the 
Missisippi, lake Superior and the north west ; and here 
the return of furs were collected and embarked for 
Montreal. It is still a place of gr«at resort. 

that of its adversaries. The game is attended witfi 
much violence and noise. These two nations fixed on 
a day to display their skill at bag-^at-iway, and for a 
high wager. In the midst of the play, and at a time 
when a great part of the garrison had been drawn to the 
scene from motives of curiosity, the ball was designedly 
but artfully driven within the pickets of the fort. 
This was the signal for the work of death. The gi-eat- 
er part rushed into the fort, all struggling and shouting 
as though in pursuit of the ball, and instantly com- 
menced killing the whites, whose num])ers were about 
100. An English trader concealed in the house of one 
of the French inhabitants, beheld the massacre, from an 
aperture which afforded him a view of the area of the 
fort. He describes it as follows : *^ I beheld, in shapes 
the foulest and most terrible, the ferocious triumplis of 
barbarian conquerors. The dead were scalped and 
mangled : the dying were writhing and shrieking under 
the insatiated knife and tomahawk, and from tlie 
bodies of some, ripped open, their butchers were 
drinking the blood, scooped up in the hollows of joined 
hands, and quaffed amid shouU of rage and victory." 



5? 



THE LATP WAR. 47 

Detroit is the chief town of the territory 5 it is situa- 
ted on the right bank^'of the strait, nine miles below 
lake St. Clair, and eighteen above Brownstown. The 
town contains about two hundred houses, which are 
inhabited ])y upwards of twelve thousand inhabitants. 
The suburbs extend up the river as far as lake St. Clair, 
and down as far as the river Rouge, exhibiting a pleas- 
ant and populous street of 14 miles extent. The prin- 
cipal street runs parallel with the river, and upon a 
bank of from 20 to 30 feet above the surface of the 
water. There are several elegant stone and brick 
buildings, though the houses are for the most part of 
wood. To every house there is a garden attached. 
The farms are only twenty rods wide on the river, and 
extend back upwards of a mile. 

No country in the world affords a richer field for 
fowling and fishing. The forests are plentifully sup- 
plied with various kinds of game. 

The fort stands on a handsome eminence of mode<* 
rate height, about 200 yards in the rear of the town. 
The fortifications consisted (at the time Gen. HulPs 
army arrived at Detroit)* of a fort of well constructed 
ramparts of earth, surrounded by a ditch, defended by 
a double row of piGkets-— between this and the town, is 
a stockade enclosing about two acres of ground. The 
area of the fort is about an acre and a half. There are 
extensive commons in the rear of the fort, skirted by 
boundless and almost impenetrable woods, which afford 
,an easy and safe retreat to a savage foe. 

* The works of the fort have since been greatly im- 
proved. It is now called ^o^t Shelby. 



48 HISTORY OF 



Sketches of that part of Upper Canada, which 
was the scene of Gen* Hull's militai'y ope- 
ratio7is» 

XXT the north west corner of lake Erie, comes in 
Detroit river, a broad deep stream, of sufficient water 
at all seasons to float a 20 gun brig. Immediateld at 
the mouth of this river is situated the village of Am- 
herstburgh, and a few rods above stands the fort of 
Maiden. The village is pleasantly situated on the 
i?iargin of an immense plain — the lake and river in full 
Aiew. It contains a1)0ut 150 houses, partly framed 
and partly of hewn logs. It is no doubt destined to 
become a place of wealth and importance.* There is 
not, perhaps, a place on tlie great lakes, that possesses 
greater conveniences for shipbuilding. Tlie descent of 
the shore is in a proper angle for launching ; the water 
is deep ; the harbor secure, and timber can be floated 
to the spot in any quantity, and at a short distance. 
Opposite the place, at the distance of 200 yards, lies 
the Island of Bois Blanc^ on wliich is a battery and 
flag staff. This island of right belongs to the United 
States, as the sliip channel is between this and the town. 

* In " Campnigits of the tA". JF, ,f]rmy,'* published by 
the author, in March, 1814, is found the following un- 
just description of this village. " Its appearance is 
worthy of its character — as dark and as gloomy as 
Erebus." Tbese words were penned in a moment of 
disgust, excited by tlie recollection of past ^sufterings, 
extartion and inhumanity of tlie inhabitants, and 
gloomy wf a^her experienced at the place. 



THE LATE WAR. 49 

Tlic inhabitants are composed of renegaJo or ioyal 
Americans, Canadian French, and a few Scotch. The 
greater part are distinguished by a deep rooted hatred of. 
the Americans. Several agents for the Indian depart- 
ment reside here. It is here that the Indians, hostile to. 
the United States, receive their presents, their arms and 
ammunition, and many of their prcjudicet^ ; it is licrc 
that the scalping knife and tomahawk is openly suhsi'li' 
zed. It is here that the savage returning from his munler- 
ous excursions on our defenceless frontiers, is^carressed 
and reAvarded according to his success. Many of the 
inliabitants disguised with paint and the lialnliments of, 
Indian costume, fought at the battles v.ith Ilarmer, St. 
Clair and Wayne. This long and familiar intercourse 
with the savages, has not been without its moral enect. 
White men have acquired the ferocity of their tawny 
associates. The softer sex has not escaped the influ- 
ence. It is a FACT, that the exhibition of human scalps, 
in the streets, in the most terrific forms, by the Indians, 
produces no emotion of horror, even in the female 
bosom ! The spectacle has become so familiar to the eye, 
that it has lost the interest of novelty, and is viewed 
with as much indifference as we behold the ordinary ob- 
jects of nature. 

The whole Peninsula of upper Canada, is a champaign 
country. The lake coast is settled to point au Pelie, 
30 miles east of Maiden. This point forms a considera- 
ble projection into the lake, and is the most southerly 
spot of all the British territories on, the continept cf 
North America. Between this point and Maiden, the 
river Jiux Cedres runs into lake Erie;., The Indian 
villages of Brownsitown and Maguago, arc nearly opro, 

E . . 



jo history of 

Ate Maiden. The country in the rear of the fort is set- 
tled to the distance of 20 miles. The strait, or river 
^bove the fort, is divided into two channels by Graze 
Me. about 5 miles long. About midway of this Island 
on the Canada shore of the river^ is a considerable In- 
dian village ; 5 miles from the town, in the direction of 
lake St. Clair comes in the river Jiiuv Connards ; a deep, 
limddy and sluggish stream, about 80 yards vv^ide \ then 
commences the flourishing French settlement, called Le 
Petite Cote. Six miles from Aux Connards, runs in 
Turkey river, an inconsiderable stream, but deep and 
muddy. It is 7 miie& from this to Sandwich, nearly op- 
posite Detroit. The whole distance is through a rich, 
delightful and populous settlement. This place lias in- 
creased in buildings and improvements very rapidly. 
There is a jail and court house. J?oth sides of the 
straits exhibit a most cheering prospect in summer. 
J^eaches, apples, grapes and almost every other species 
of fruit, are here produced in the greatest perfection and 
abyndance. In the vicinity of Sandwich, a mission of 
tiic Ilurens is established. Ten miles above Sandwich 
is found the lake St. Clair, nearly in a circular form, 
30 miles in diameter, and 100 in circumference ; of reg- 
ular depth, and about three fathoms water. Twenty 
miles from Sandwich, the Le Belle river runs into lake 
St. Clair from the east ; tiiis is a small stream 50 yards 
wide 5 15 miles farther in the direction of the mouth of 
rliL- Thames is seen the river Ruirkin, runniig westerly 
h\to lake St. C'lair, The river la Franche or Thames 
di-'t'mbosrues its waters on the southeast side of the lake'- 
It ifc about the size of the Mohawk, Shenandoah, or Ken- 
tucky ; its couise a little south of east ; its banks are 
' overed by natural meadows and tracts of wood lands. 



THKLATEWAU. 51 

The 1 iver is navigable for small vessels to the forks 1.5 
miles from the lake. Here is the town of Cluitham fon n - 
dcd by Gov. Sinicoe. Twenty miles hi<i;her up is the. 
Moravian Indian village. The distance from this to tho. 
head of lake Ontario is 140 miles. The road leaves ill'" 
river at the Indian village, and strikes it again at Dela- 
ware, 25 miles higher up , it then crosses it and contin- 
ues through London, Oxford, &c. and cros^Kts Grand 
River near the Mohawk villages. In ihe towu.ship of 
Delaware is a valuable nine forest belonfjinii; to the 
crown. A little below this on the left bank of the rhame;^, 
is the Munsee Indian village. The land in this part of 
the u|7[;)cr province is rich and admirably calculated, foi" 
farms ; on the river, rich bottoms : Vugti a gentle rise of 
beautifully titubered land, to which succeed openings 
well calculated for raising wheat. 

This part of the country is healthy^ and serrU'd priji- 
clpally by Americans, partial to tiie United States, (hi 
the margin of the straits and lakes St. Ciair and Erie. 
theimost of the inhabitants are French, who, (excepting 
those resident in the vicinity and within the conuptino; 
influence of Maiden,) are unquestionably friendly to the 
United States. The country produces great quantities 
of wheat beyond the consumption of the inhabitants. It 
was the opinion of.Gov. Simcoe, that the Peninsuhv 
foimed by the lakes Ontario, Erie, .St. Clair, Huron, 
Simcoe &c^ would alone furnish a surplus sufficient for 
the wants of G. Britain. The climate Is abcutas mild an 
that of the western counties of the State of New-Vork. 
Extensive and valuable tracts of land i;ave been reserved 
by the British crown. 



59J IIISTORV OF 



Invasion of Canada* 



I 



.T \\\\\ now be necessary to return to the head quar-* 
ters of Gen. Hull, and resume the detail of military 
movements. Three miles below Detroit, are the Spring 
wells or Belle Fontaine. The bank is here about 30 
feet high, and presents one of the finest prospects imag- 
inable. It affords a full view of the Canadian shore for 
10 or 15 miles. The soil is dry ; the water excellent. 

On the morning of the 6th of July, Col. Cass was dis- 
patched with a flag of truce to Maiden, commanded at 
that time by Lieut. Col. 6t. George.* The object of 
his mission was to obtain a restitution of the baggage 
and prisoners taken by the British in the schooner dis- 
TTitclied by the general, from the rapids of the Miami, 
In this demand, he failed. He returned to camp accom- 
panied by Capt. Burbanks, of the British army. If it 
\vii':fi unwise to send tiie baggage of the array under the 
guns of the enemy's fort, exposing it to inevitable cap- 
ture, it was worse than folly to demand its restitution. 

0.1 the 7th, five pieces of artillery were brought from 
Detroit and placed on the bank in front of the encamp- 
ment at Belle Fontaine, in a situation to annoy the 
enemy at Sandwich. On the same day the general held 
a council with the princijml Chiefs of the Wyandot, 
BhawannoCj Seneca, Potto wattomie and Ottaway na- 
tions. Theyj>ro?Miserf to adhere to the United States. 

* It is not according to the rules of military etiquette 
to make a superior officer the bearer of a flag of tiuce, 
to one Qi inferior grade. 



THE LATK V/AR. 53 

On the 8th, the encampment at Spring wells was 
abandoned and the army took a position in the rear 
of Detroit. From this time to ,the 12th, exertions, 
were made to prepare for the intended invasion. The 
arms were repaired, and a part of the ordnance mountr 
cdon carriages. Six hundred of the territorial militia 
rallied under Gen. Hull's standard. The most patriot- 
ic exertions were made by the colonels, majors and 
captains, generally to impress upon the minds of the 
troops the necessity of strict obedience to orders. 

The attempt of invasion would have been made on the 
evening of the 10th, had not the unauthorised. filing of 
some disorderly men kept the enemv on the alert.* 

The next evening Col. M' Arthur marched his rcgi-' 
ment to the Spring wells, for the purpose of masking the 
intentions of the General. A few boats accompanied 
the detachment; the aifected noise and bustler of this. 
movement, had the desired effect. Tlie British officcr»! 
believing that the Americans were descending thci river 
for the purpose of attacking Maiden, drew all their for- 
ces towards that post. 

On the morning of the 12th, the army marched about 
a mile above the town, opposite the lawer end of Hog 

'Jjrf vtyv ,s:: 
*Maj. Munson, of Col. Cass' regimentwas shot through 
the body, by one of those useless discharges. Contrary 
to expectation, .he recovered^ from hi* dangerous wound 
and was one of^thc witnesses that atttji^ded the trial of 
Gen. HuU at Albany. ■.'■■ .-, i'l r,'*^"*^*' 7 

Too many accidents of this kind have occurred in our 
armies, in the course of the war. . The practice of fiiin.<r 
in camp, is not only ;i useless waste oi' ammunition, bi^t 
endangers the lives, of th^e imjh} .^tj^toierate itj argues 'ji 
la^ di^upli9;e. ^ ;, 40i83^:>,£ai^"' 



i'j 



fi V E- 2'> »^a-.:9dt V 60 1X3 O) t?.iivj. 



i^' ' iilstohy of 

Island.'*' Tlie boats were in readiness. The regiments 
of Colonels Miller and Cass embarked and in 15 minutes 
cftected a^Iatiding witliout opposition. The remainder 
uf llitc troops immediately followed ah d the American 
: tandard was iinfurled amidst the acclamations of the 
;iVmyand Citizens of Dfctrdit.t The troops encamped 
on the farm of Col. Biinbie, directly opposite Detroit.^ 
^ The following address to the inhabitants of Canada, 
was issued by the General, and distributed by his oi*^- 
ders: '''''- ' - -^^*^«5- . 



r^i^ T 



Inhabitants of Canada I . 

•^ After thirty year;? of peace and prosperity, the United 
States have been driven to arms. The injuries and 
aggressions, the insults and indignities of Great Britain 
have once more left them no alternative but manly re- 
sistance or unconditional submission* The army under 
my command has invaded ly otir country ; the, standard 
of the Union now waves over the territory of Canada., 
To the peaceable unoffending inhabitants, it bringsv 
neither daiiscer nor diiSculty. I come to find enemies, 
not to make them. ,1 come to protect, not to injure you. 
Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive^ 
wilderness from Great Britain, you have no participa- 
lioii in her ' councils, no interest in her conduct. You 

^ Called by the French Isle aitoe Cochons. 

t The General is said to have been among the last to-' 
embark 5 as his boat touched the Canadian shore, ht was^ 
neard to exclaim, " The critical inoment draws neai\^^ 

\ The American camp presented the form of a hollow 
smiare. A breast v.ork was thrown up at every side, 
except that bounded by the river, which was defended 
hy artiilery ; it v/as ina,ccessible to an Indian attack, 
^vho never' venture to expose themselves to the reach of 
artilierye!?. :^.ri onen ^piain. 



THE LATE AVAR. 55 

fiave felt her tyranny, you have seen her ifijitstice. 
}l\it I do not askybuto aVelige thti ont^. or to redi^coS' 
the other. 'I'he United States are sufficiently powerful 
to aftord every security consrsfent with their rights rhd * 
your expectations. I ten(!er you the invaruahle hles- 
sings of civil, political and relij^ious liberty, and their 
necessary' 'result, indiVidual arid general prosperity t' 
that liberty which gave decision to our couhcils, and 
energy to our conduct in a struggle fcr Independence ji 
which conducted us safely and triumphantly through' 
the stormy period of tlie revolution ; that liberty whidi' 
has raised us to an elevated rank among the nation^' or 
the world ; and which offered' us a greater measure of 
peace and security, of wealtli and improvement, tlian 
ever fell to the lot of any people. In tlie name of mf' 
country, and the authority of government, I pl-oniisc 
you protection to your persyns, property and rights 5 ^ 
remain at your homps ; pursue your peaceful and cus- 
tomary atocationp ^ raise not .your hands against your 
fctlfiren. ' Maxiy of your lathers fought for the freedom 
ahd independence we liow enjoy. Being children tliere - 
fore of the same family with Us, and heirs to the same 
heritage, the arrival of an army of friends must be liailed 
by you Vvith a cordial welcome. You v/ill be ainancipat- 
^d from* tyrani'jy and oppression, and restored to the 
tiigiiified station of freedom. Had I any doubt of event- 
lial success. I midit ask your assistance, but I do not-V 
I come prepared for every contingency. I have a force- 
which will look down all opposition, and that force is but 
the^'anguard of amuch greater. If, contrary to your 
own interest,and the just expectation of my country, you 
6h6*uid take part iri^he approaching contest, you will be 
cans^idtred as enemies, and thehoiTor? and calamities of 



56 HISTORY OF 

war will stalk before you. If the barbarous ai:d savage 
policy of Great Britain be pursued, and the savages arc 
let loose to murder our citizens and butcher even women 
and cliildren, THIS war will be a v/ar of extermi- 
nation. The first stroke of the toinaha-^k ; the first 
attempt with the scalping knife, '.vill be the signal of an 
indiscriminate scene of desolation. No white man 
found fighting by the side of an Indian will be taken 
prisoner ; instant death will be his lot. If the dictates 
of reason, duty, justice and humanity cannot prevent the 
employment of a force which respects no rights, and 
knows no wrong, it will be prevented by a severe and. 
relentless system of retaliation. I doubt not your cour^' 
ao;e and firmness : I will not doubt your attachment I'o 
liberty. If you tender your services voluntarily, they 
will be accepted readily. The United States offer you 
peace, liberty and security. Your choice lies between 
these and war, slavery and destruction. Choose then, 
but choose wisely ; and may he who knows the justice of 
our c^use, and who holds in his hand the fate of nations 
guide you to a result the most compatible ,\\it];i your 
rights and iatdrests, your peace and happiness.'^ 

This proclamation was well calculated to inspire con- 
fidence and secure the friendship of the Canadians, 
such indeed was its influence, that the greater part of the 
militia in the service of the crown, actually deserted and 
either retired to their homes or joined the Americaji 

However, when our army, first made its appearance 
on the Canada shore, the inhabitants were frightened 
and sought refuge in'svvamps and forestSjfrom an enemy 
whom they were taugh,t to believe were more cruel and 
rapacious thar^ savages* Almost every house^was aban- 



THE LATE AVAR. 57 

tloned for miles along the Canadian side ef the strait. 
But on perceiving that the troops were not disposed 
to injure their ])ersons or property, the greater part re- 
turned to their homes in lull confidence of protection, 
and resumed their accustomed avocations. 

At this auspicious moment there appeared no conceiv- 
able obstacle to aspeedy conquest of Maiden, at this time 
indefensible and but feebly garrisoned. The troops 
were in high spirits, anxious to be led against the ene- 
my. The Indians were awed into neutrality. A great 
majority of the inhabitants \yere ready and willing to 
aid in their deliverance from the yoke of England* 
Never had a commanding General a more favorable 
field for exertion. The road to a rich harvest of glory 
and fame, was open and direct. Imperishable laurels 
marked its course. His means were ample ; nothing 
appeared capable of arresting his progress. Patriotic 
meii throughout the union expected a quick and a deci- 
sive blow. All were waiting v/ith a torturing imj>atiencB 
for the " GLORIOUS nev.^s*' that the stars and- stripes 
waved over the ramparts of blood stained Maiden. 
Alas I w^hat a cruel disappointment v.ere they doomed 
to suffer ! 

The day after the army landed in Canada, Capt. Henry 
Uln, marched v.ith a small detachment of about 40 men, 
towards Maiden. At Turkey river bridge, ,7 miles be- 
low Sandwich, they found the bridge partly taken up 
and received satisfactory information that 200 Indians 
were in ambush, at a short distance. It was deemed 
prudent to return to camp, and report the circumstance 
to the general. 

On the 4th a considerable body of Indians were known 
to have passed up the river in the rear of the camp. Col. 



58 HISTORY OF 

M'Artliur was immetUately ordered to march in pursuit 
of them, with 100 men frem his own regiment, a riiie 
corps from Col. Fiudlej's and a small detachment from 
Capt. Sloan's company of cavalry. They marched 
without provisions and without blankets. Tl\e detach- 
ment proceeded to Belle river, about twenty miles from 
Sandwich, where the Colonel purchased a beef and some 
flour and whiskey for his men. At tlie mouth of tlic 
river Raisin, they discovered the Indians ascending the 
river in canoes. The Colonel and the cavalry pursued 
them ; but as soon as our men came up with them, they 
took themselves to a thick woods, after having received 
the fire of the Colonel and his men. He took a number 
of horses which the Indians had left in their camp. 

The party then continued their march to the moutli of 
the Thames* and ascended this river as far as Dalson^s 
Mills. In descending the river, they loaded all the 
water craft, with provisions, blankets and military stores 
which were sent down the lake (St. Clair) to head quar- 
ters. They took a stand of colors and disarmed a num- 
ber of militia. The property was all receipted by Col. 
M'Arthur* Thus, this small detachment penetrated 70 
miles into the most populous part of Upper Canada. 
They returned to camp on the evening of the ITth 
Julr. t 

* Isaac Hull, brother to the General, resides at the 
mouth of this river. A corporal and six soldiers were 
found stationed at his house as a guard du corps. Col. 
M 'Arthur disarmed them. 

t One of Coi. M'Arthur's men gives the following pic- 
ture of the country through which they m.archcd. 
" Probably there is no part of upper Canada, more beau- 
tiful or more prolific than that bordering on the river 
Franche, and that part of lake St. Clair immediately 



THE LATE WAR. 59 

About this time another small party were sent to 
Belle Donne for the purpose of securing several hundred 
Merino Sheep,* the property of the earl of Selkirk. 
These sheep were driven to Detroit, where tliey fell in- 
to the hands of tlie British at the capitulation of Detroit.! 

Deserters crowded in from Maiden. Several were 
known to return to the enemy after having fully inspect^ 
ed the camp and ascertained the number of the Ameri" 
can troops. 

On the I6t]i CoL Cass and Lieut Col. Miller marched 
with a detachment of 280 men to fae bridge over the 
Aux Connards,to reconnoitre the enemy's advance post. 
They found them in possession of the bridge. CoL 
Cass left one company of riflemen to conceal them- 
selves near tlie bridge, with directions to commence 
liring on his appearance on tlie opposite side of the river, 
in order to divert their attention and throw them into 
confusion. The remainder of the detachment then as- 
cended the stream 5 miles to a ford, and from thence 
down on the Maiden side, to the enemy, whom he attack- 
ed and drove from their position. This was the first 
time since the revolution that *iniericauiniiitiahad come 

adjacent. The fields of wheat and Indian coin had a 
most charming eilect. Vast quantities of wheat remain- 
ed ungathered," 

* It is difficult to account for Gen. Huirs motive, for 
mcilting'w'ar upon slieep ! 

In 1813, when Gen. Harrison penetrated to the 
Thames, these Sheep liad been replaced upon the EarPs 
farm, and were not molested by the troops. 

t It is worthy of remaik, that this tour of 140 miles 
was performed in four days, and on four meals of pro- 
visions which w6i^e purchased by Col. M- Arthur, and 
^aid tor. • "■'^ .. 



60 HISTORY OF 

in contact witli British regulars. Our men moved to 
the attack -with great spirit. Three times the enemy 
formed, and as often retreated. Night compelled the 
Americans to relinquish the pursuit. The enemy had 
several killed* and wounded, only two prisoners were 
taken. Col. Cass encamped on the scene of action dur- 
ing tlic night, and on the 18th returned to camp.f Col. 
Miller, on this occasion conducted in a most spirited 
and able manner. 

Immediately after this, small detachments under the 
commands of Capt. Snelling, Col. Findley, Col. M'Ar- 
thur, and Major Denny, were successsively sent to the 
hanks of the Aux Connards ; perhaps, to discover the 
force and position of the enemy. 4^ 

* A British soldier, who was killed, and afterv/ards 
buried by the detachment, was taken up by tlie Indians 
and scalped ; this trophy was taken to Maiden and pre- 
sented to the commandant ; who paid the Indians their 
premiuMi, believing that it was actually the scalp of an 
American drummer, 

t If, at this time, tlie enemy had been in force at Mai- 
den, why did they not make Col. Cass pay dear for his 
temerity, in thus daring to sleep with a smair de- 
tachment, H miles from the American camp, and with- 
in less than five milefe of their only depot of men and 
stores ? 

:f At this time the following extraordinary general 
order appeared, to disgrace the American military char- 
acter : 

Head Quarters Sandivich^f Juhj ISth 1812. 

GEJS^ERJiL ORDERS, 

"Whereas the private property, consisting principally 
of necessary clothing of the officers and soldiers ot thfs 
army, has been seized by the British force, and is detain- 
ed at Maiden, or its dependencies, notwithstanding 
application has hQ^n made for a restitution of it. In 



THK LATE WAR. t,l 

Col. Findlej found tlie bridge in possession of the en- 
«my. They had erected a breast work of felled trees 
on the opposite shore. The Queen Charlotte had moor- 
ed in a suitable position to defend it. 

On the 19th Col. M'Arthwr was ordered to the Aux 
Connards to relieve the men previously detached under 
Capt. Snelling and Col. Findley. Th^e Colonel had 
orders from the geneml not to cross the bridge nor to 
go within reach of the guns of the Queen Charlotte, 
The detachment having arrived within rifle shot dis- 
tance of the enemy, a fire avas commenced by our men. 
The famous Indian Chief Marpot with a few followers 
instantly crossed tlie bridge upon tlie sleepers, ad\ an- 
ced several rods towards our men and commenced firing. 
But this daring chieftain soon paid for his boldness, by 
receiving a dangerous wound, which brought him full 
length to the gi-ound ;* he was borne from the spot by 
his comrades, who soon retreated beyond the bridge. 
The day was spent in skirmishing and reconnoitering. 
Col. M'Arthur and Adjutant PuthufF, narrowly escaped 
falling into an ambush of the Indians. The ColoneFs 
horse was shot under him. In the evening the detach- 

order to remunerate those officers and soldiers who 
have suffered, the general directs that sd\ personal 
property of officers now serving in the British army at 
the aforesaid post^ shall be taken under special orders 
from the general, and deliveied to the Quarter Master 
General for safe keeping until the orders of the govern- 
ment are known on the subjec t. 

Wm. hull. Brigadier General Commandivg, 

* He recovered, and afterwards fought at the river 
Raisin and the battle of the Thames, when he abandoii- 
ed the cause of the British. 



m lillSTORV OK 

ruent returned to Le Petite Cote settlement. Teeuin^ 
seh pursued and fired on the rear guard. The ColoneL 
suddenly faced about and gave orders for a general fire. 
All the Indians fell fiat on the ground, except Tecum- 
seh, who stood firm on his feet with apparent unconcern. 
A want of ammunition prevented further offensive ope-, 
rations. The detachment continued its march towards 
camp without further molestatioil. At the Turkey riv- 
er bridge Col. Cass and ^lajor Trimble met the detach- 
ment with a fresh detacliment ; the next day they re- 
turned to the bridge, fired on the enemy, and were firetj 
on in turn. The firing was brisk but not eifective, 
Tecumseh was conspicuous on this occasion. Finding 
it impossible to operate successfully ogainst superior 
numbers strongly posted, Col. M'Arthur returned to 
t amp. 

On the 5lst the General passed over to Detroit where 
l-e continued until tlie 26th. During his absence, the 
command of the army devolved on Col. M'Arthur, who 
ordered Capt M'Culloch to examiiic the country in the 
rear of the direct road to Maiden, in order to ascertain 
v.'hether a back rood could not be made so as to avoid 
rhe bridge across the Aux Connards. He explored the 
{ ouutrv between Sandwich and that river, and reported 
linfavorahly. 

The Indians continuing to s^how themselves in tlie 
Petite Ccte settlement. Major Denny marched on thc^ 
evening of the 24th with a detachment of IIT raen. con- 
sisting of three companies under captains Lucas, Pin- 
Tiey and Hose. They reached the French settlement a, 
Mttlr. before daylight. They secured a militia captain 
oi the name of Ecntee, from TvIaKlen, in the giiise of (i 
fcrm?r. lie. vvas ccp:F)dercd as a ?py.and sent to ramp, 



rtlK LATK VVAU. C5 

A^ter marching and counter marcliing till near midday^ 
M'ithin view of the enemj-s advanced posts, tlie troops 
halted, for the purpose of restino;, under a convenient 
shade. The men had mostly fallen asleep, when the 
Major perceived a hody of Indians at only 15 yards dis- 
tance ; his presence of mind saved the party : he in- 
stantly exclaimed in a stentorian voice, •' Ihish like hell 
boys and fire well .'" The order was promptly oheyed. 
and seven of the savages fell on the spot, and tliC residue 
fled in consternation. 

But they soon rallied with increasing numhers an«l 
were seen on horseback, and on foot taking a circuitoue 
route to throw themselves into the rear of the detach- 
ment and cut of their retreat to camp. Tlie Major 
made a movement in order of battle, to prevent the in- 
tentions of the enemy. -As he approached a point of 
woods which he attempted to gain before the Indianf, 
he received a heavy fire. Confusion ensued ; a cvw.- 
plete route was the consequence. Their only alternative 
was to gain the I'oacl. They weie pursued through Held,? 
of wheat and corn and prickly a*h thickets for nearlv 
three miles. At Turkey river they Mere relieved by 
(Jen Lucas and a number of uf-emen, v.hJj hearing of 
the en<i-aa:emerit, had coiue to their assistance. The 
Americans liad seven killed *nid several wounded.* 

Such was the nature of the Vditt guerre maintained 
near the Aux Coniiards, vdiile our troops remained in 
Canada. It had no visible object, and served only to re - 

* Capt. M'Culloch, of the spi-es, scalped an ladiar, 
whom he killed in t!ie engagement. Fourteen deuJ 
Indians were afterwards found in the woods and, wheat 
fields by the farmers who lived near flu- -cen? of iV.e 
action. 



^4 HISTORyoF 

press the ardor of our troops and encourage the ^nemy. 

In the mean Avhile, JMichilimackinac surrendered to 
the. British without resistance. The indefatigable 
Brock, with a reinforcement of 400 regulars arrived at 
Maiden ; And several Indian tribes, before hesitating 
in the choice of sides, began to take their ground and 
array themselves under the British standard. 

Tlie garrison of Michilimackinac capitulated on the 
17th July. The anglo savage forces amounted to upwards 
of 1000 men, consisting of British regulars, Canadian 
rnilitia, Scioux, Winnebago, Felle Auvine, Chippeway 
ami Ottaway Indians. Lieut. Hanks, the commander 
t»f the fort being apprized of the hostile intentions of sev- 
er^il Indian chiefs, (who bat a few days before, had prc- 
leRsed the greate:.t friendsliip for the United States,) dis- 
patched Capt. Daurman of the militia, a confidential 
person, to St. Joseph's, to watch their motions ; but the 
latter met the allied forces within fifteen milQs of the 
island, by v/hom he was made prisoner, and put on his 
parole of honor. He was landed upon the island of 
Micliilimackinac with positive directions to give no 
inteliigence to the garrison m hatever. He was also in- 
structed to take the inhabitants of the village indiscrim- 
inately to a place on the west side of the island, where 
their persons and property should be protected by a 
Britis!i guard 5 but should they go to the fort, they 
would be subject to a general massacre by the savages 
which would be inevitable, if the garrison fired a gun. 
in the mean time Lieut. Hanks had caused the ammuni- 
tion to be placed in the block houses, ordered the guns 
charged, and made every necessaiy preparation for de- 
fence. At 9 o'clock on the morning of the 17th, the 
en^r^y were discovered in possession of the heiglits 



I'ilK LX'Vh: WAR. 6J 

wliic!-! command the fort, with a piece of cannon direct- 
ed against the most defenceless part of the garrison. 
The Indians were to be seen at this time in great num- 
bers in the edge of the woods. At half past 11 o'clock 
the enemy sent in a flag of truce demanding a surrender 
of the fort and island to his Britannic majesty's forco^. 
This was the first intimation he had of the declaration 
of war. The lieutenant had however anticipated the 
event, and was probably as well prepared for resistance 
as he otherwise would have been with so small a com- 
mand, amounting only to fifty seven effective men, 
including officers. The allied forces had two pieces of 
artillery, and were provided with ladders and ropes for 
the purpose of scaling the works if neceSv«ary. The 
oflicers of the garrison and the American citizens pre- 
sent, were consulted, who gave Lt. Hanks their unani- 
mous opinion that it would be impossible for the garri 
son to hold out against such a superior force. The fort 
and island v/as accordin^-ly surrendered.* 

About the time the news of the fall of Michi'imacliinac 
was received in camp, an express arrived from Chilicothe 
that Capt. Henry Brush with a company of volunteers, 
was approaching Detroit with provisions. The Colonels 
of the Ohio volunteers applied frequently to tlie Genera: 
for a sufiicient force to meet the convoy at the river 
Uaisin, and escort it in safety to Detroit. All their en- 
deavors for some days were unavailing. The General ap 
peared totally indifterent about the arrived of the provi- 
sions or the safety of the convoy. At this period sup 

^* The above account of the surrender of Michiiimack- 
inac, is nearly in the v/ords of liieut, Hi^nks* oliicial 
dispatch. 

F 2 



€{> HISTORY OF 

plies could not be received from anj other quarter ex- 
cept Canada, the British having entire command of the 
navigation of lake Erie. 

At length, however, he gave permission for a detach- 
ment of 200 men under the command of Major Van 
Home, to march to the river Aux Raisin, for the double 
purpose of guarding the mail to that river, and of escort- 
ing the partj under Capt. Brush to camp. 

Major Van Home crossed the river on the 4th of Au- 
gust, and descended the American bank as far as the 
i/i«' Jippletree, between the Indian villages of Maguago 
and Brownstown, where some Indian paths branch from 
the road. Capt. M'Culloch of the spies unfortunately 
took one of these traces, accompanied only by a black 
servant. He had not proceeded far,before he was tired on 
by the Indians ; killed on the spot, scalped, and toma- 
hawked within rifle shot distance' of the m.ain body of 
the Americans. Thus fell the brave, generous and 
patriotic M'Culloch, captain of the Spies. 

Major Van Home, was here informed by a Frenchman 
that 3 or 400 Indians and a party of British were near 
Brownstown in ambush for the purpose of intercepting 
t\vi detachment. The 3Iajor continued his march, dis- 
regarding the report. When he had advanced within a 
^hort diiitaiicc of Brownstown, where the road passes 
through a narrov/ prairie, bounded on the right by a 
deep miry creek, the opposite bank of which was covet - 
tjred with a thick growth of underwood : On the left 
were a muiiher of small Indian cornfields and thicket?. 
Through this defile the detachment had to march 'v^•hich 
compelled the two colums to incline within 40 yards 
•ji* each other. It was when the <roops were coop- 
;:'.! utj. Ill this (-ra:r>ped situation that the Indian?. 



THE LATE WAK. 67 

who were concealed in the tliickets on both sides of the 
road, poured in an unexpected but destructive tire. The 
fire was quickly returned ; but the enemy having the 
advantage of position as well as a decided superiority 
of numbers, the only alternative become a hasty retreat, 
supported by halting every favorable opportunit}-, and 
firing on the enemy. The cowardice of a few in the rear 
probably saved the detachment from total massacre ; for 
such was their precipitate flight, that they outran a par- 
ty of British and Indians, who were detached for the 
purpose of cutting off the retreat of the Americans. 
The enemy continued a close pursuit for four miles. The 
loss of the Americans was 17 killed and about £0 wound- 
ed ; that of the enemy froui the best inform alion was 
supposed to be about equal. Among the killed5were cap* 
tains Ulry, Gilclirist, and Boerstler ; Lieut. Pentz and 
eiisign Roby. Their remains were shockingly mangkd 
by the Indians. The serious loss of officers on our part 
is attributable to their repeated efforts to rally their men. 
Major y an liorne, though unsuccessful} conducted as 
became a brave officer. And we readily find an apology 
for his incredulity in not believing the information giv- 
en by the Frenchman, in the too frequent deceptions of 
the Michiganian French. 

The Colonels again solicited tha General for permis- 
sion for either »f them to lead a detachment before 
Brownstown, sufficient to bury the dead, and to force 
open the communications with the river Raisin. For 
these purposes 500 men were required, but the General 
refused in positive terms, to permit more than 100 to go 
on the expedition. 

On the 6th August, a council was convened at the 
General's quarters, consisting of ail the field officers 



03 HISTORY OF 

and Capt. Dyson and Lieut. Eastman, of the artillerists, 
when it was agreed by all, except the two last, to 
make an immediate descent on Maiden. 

If, by waiting two days, they could have the service of 
their heavy artillery, it was agreed to wait, if not, it was 
determined to go without it, and attempt the place by 
storm. Iliis opinion appeared to correspond with the 
\ie\vs of the ommander in chief, and the day was ap- 
pointed for o-"'' in encing their march. General Hull de- 
clared to the ohiiX8):« that he considered himself pledged 
to lead the army to Maiden. The ammunition was 
placed in the waggons ; the cannon were placed on the 
floating batteries, and every requisite article was pre- 
pared. The spirit and zeal, the ardor and animation 
displayed by the officers and men, on learning the near 
accomplishment of their wishes, ought to have inspired 
the commanding General with conlidence of a succesful 
result to the enterprise.* 

* The following general order was issued by the Gen- 
eral on the occasion. 

Sandwich f 7tk Jugust, 1812. 
Doctor Edwards will take charge of the medical and 
surgical departments until further orders, and will im- 
mediately nmke every preparation for the army to take 
the field against the enemy. All the tents and baggage 
of the army, not necessary, will be immediately trans- 
ported to Detroit. The boats not necessary for tlie 
movement of the army will be sent to Detroit. An of- 
ficer and twenty five convalescents will be left at the 
fort at Gowies, with a boat sufficient to carry tliem across 
the river if necessary. All the artillery, not taken by 
the army, will be sent immediately to Detroit. The 
army will take seven days provisions ; three days pro- 
visions will be drawn from tomorrow morning, and will 
be cooked, and the residue will be taken in waggons* 



THE LATE WAR. 69 

But at the moment when every one was engaged in 
Cooking, or in repairing their arms, eagerly and con- 
stantly expecting to commence their march for Maiden^ 
orders were received to strike their tents and recros^ 
the river to Detroit ! 

Thus was the plan of attacking Malr^ £i abandoned 
without an adequate or conceivable raf'^^"'*, without an 
t^oi't to redeem the pledge of the con* ,»*anding general 1 
The Canadians, Nvho had joined the American army in 
full confidence of protection, were abandoned to the 
vengeance of their old masters. 

The small stockade erected in an injudicious posi- 
tion about a mile above the encampment was left in 
charge of Major Denny and about 130 convahscents^yi\io 
were provided with boats, to eftect a tetreat to Detroit 
if they should be incapable of maintaining their post. 

The next event worthy of notice, is the battle of Ma- 
g,yaga. 

" The main body af the army having recrossed the 
river at Detroit, on the niglit and morning of the ^th 
August, six hundred men were immediately detached 
\inder the command of Col. Miller, to open the commu- 
nication to the river Raisins, and protect the provisions, 
vhich were under the escort of Capt. Brush. This de- 
Pork will be drawn for the meat part of the rations, one 
hundred axes, fifty spades and twenty pick axes will be 
taken by the army ; and a rajjt of timber and plank, 
suitable" for bridges will be prepared and floated down 
with the baAteries. Six lone; canoes will attend the 
iio^ting batteiies. Only one days whiskey will be drawn 
each day, and twelve barrels m ill be taken in wa^^gons ; 
all the artificers and ail men on any kind of extra duty, 
will immediately join their regiment. 

Signed, . W.HULL. 



TO lilSTORY OF 

tachment consisted of the 4th United States' regiment^ 
and two small detachments under the command of Lieut. 
Stansbury and Ensign M'Cabe of the 1st regiment ; 
detachments from the Ohio and Michigan volunteers, a 
corps of artillerists, with one six pounder and an how- 
itzer under the command of Lieut. Eastman, a part of 
Captains Smith and Sloan's cavalry commanded by 
Capti Sloan of the Ohio volunteers.- Lieut. Colonel 
Miller marched frojn Detroit on tiie afternoon of the 8th 
inst. and on the 9th, about four o'clock, P* M. the van- 
guard, commanded by Capt. SnelUng, of the United 
State's regiment, was fired on by an extensive line of 
British troops and Indians, at t\\e lower part of Magua- 
ga, about fourteen miles from Detroit, At this time the 
main body was marching in two columns, and Capt. 
Snelling maintained his position in a most gallant man- 
ner, under a very heavy fire, until the line was formed 
and advanced to the ground he occupied, when the 
whole, excepting the rear guard, was brought into ac- 
tion. The enemy were formed behind a temporary 
breast work of logs, the Indians extending in a thick 
wood on their left : Lieut. Colonel Miller ordered his 
whole line to advance, and when within a small distance 
of the enemy, made a general discharge and proceeded 
with charged bayonets, when the whole British line and 
Indians commenced a retreat. They were pursued in 
a most vigorous manner about two miles, and tlie pur- 
suit discontinued only on account of the fatigue of the 
troops, the approach of evening, and the necessity of 
returning to take care of the wounded. The judicious 
arrangements made by Lieut. Col. Miller, and the gal- 
lant manner in which they M'ere executed, justly entitle 
him to the highest honor. From the moiiittnt the line 



THE LATE WAR. 71 

COmmeuGed the fire, it continually moved on, and the 
enemy maintained their position until forced at the 
point of the bayonet. The Indians on the left under 
the command of Tecumseh, fought with great obstinacy, 
but were continually forced and compelled to retreat, 
The victory w^s complete in eveiy part of the line, 
and the success would have been more brilliant had the 
cavalry charged the enemy on the retreat, when ^ most 
favorable opportunity presented, Althougli orders 
were given for the purpose, unfortunately they were not 
executed. Majors Van Home and Morrison of the Ohio 
volunteers, were associated with Lieut. Col. Miller, as 
field ofTic^ers in this command, and were highly distin- 
guished by their exertions in forming the line and the 
tirm and intrepid manner they led their respective com- 
piands to actioa. 

Major Muir of ihe 41st regiment, commanded th©- 
British in this action. The regulars and volunteers 
consisted of about four hundred, and a larger number 
of Indians. Maj . Muir and two subalterns were wound - 
ed, one of them since diejl. About forty Indians were 
found dead en the field, and Tecumseh their leader waiii 
slightly wounded. The number of wounded Indians 
who escaped, has not bee« ascertained. Four of Major 
Muir's deiachment hav§ been made prisoners, and fif- 
teen of the 41st regiment killed and wounded. Thp 
miiitia and volun ers attached to his command were in 
the severest part of the action, and their loss must have 
been groat ; it has not yet been ascertained,* 

At the commencement of the action Col. 3\Iiller was 
thrown from his horse and continued on foot during the 

* The description of Ihis battle, thus far, are in the 
of words Gen. Hull. i\' are believed tube strictly correct, 



72. HISTORY OF 

engagement, and proved llimself by hig courage and judi- 
cious arrangements, equal to a more responsible com-- 
mand. 

In this engagement, all the officers and men, with the 
exception of Capt. Sloan of the Cincinatti dragoons and 
Capt. Hull, son to the General, fought bravely. Sever- 
al officers were wounded. Capt. Baker was wounded 
in the leg. Lieut. Larrabee lost an arm. Lieut Peters 
of the 4th ; Ensign Whistler of the 17th ; Lieut. Sibly 
of the Michigan militia ; and Ensign Flesher of the 
Ohio volunteers were also wounded. Capt. Snelling, 
who received the first of the enemy's fire maintained 
an unequal contest in a most gallant manner, until the 
main body advanced to his relief, when the cavalry uur 
der Capt. Sloan could not be made to charge, he mount-' 
ed a horse and offit?red to lead them in person. Capts. 
Brown and Sanderson who commanded companies of 
Ohio volunteers, on the right wing, acted with great 
gallantry. Capts. Decant and Brevort, of the Michigan 
militia, particularly distinguished themselves. Of the 
Americans 18 were killed, and 60 w^ounded. 

The circumstances of this battle were such as to put 
tlie courage of the Americans to a severe test. Our 
troops had to iH)ntend with a force one third larger than 
their own. Five hundred Indians, almost naked, and 
frightfully painted, led on and encouraged by British 
officers and savage chiefs, rising suddenly from their 
hiding places, presented a scene sufficient to appal the 
stoutest heart. But American valor rose superior to ev- 
ery obstacle. Both sides fought bravely. An Ameiican 
officer observed several arrows to strike tlie ground near 
his feet, almost in a perpendicular direction ; his curi- 
osity was excited, and on looking up to discover from 



THE LATE WAR. 

whence tliey came, he perceived an Indian perched on 
a tree thirty feet from the ground, and but a few paccf* 
in advance. He ordered his men to fire and he cauic 
tumbling down through the branches like a dead bear. 
He had provided himself with a fawn skin fetuffed with 
arrows, many of which he had dexterously discharged at 
our men. 

Col. Miller encamped on the battle ground, and sent 
an express to Gen. Hull with information of his success, 
requesting at the same time a supply of provisions for 
the detachment. 

Colonel M 'Arthur, on the evening of the 10th, 
received orders from General Hull to take one hun- 
dred men from his regiment and to proceed in boats to 
the encampment of Col. Miller, with 600 rations, and 
to return to Detroit with the wounded. Col. M'Arthur 
made immediate application to David Baird, the con- 
tractor, for the number of rations ordered- This man, 
who had uniformly imposed on the troops, could not be 
prevailed upon to issue the requisite quantity of ra- 
tions until 9 oxlock the next morning, when tlic colo- 
nel lost no time in executing his orders : after delivej'. 
ing his provisions to Col. Miller, and permitting as 
many of his men as were willing, to remain with the 
detachment, he made every exertion to place the 
wounded in the boats. I5ut in consequence of the 
numbers that volunteered to remain witli Col. Miller, 
the boats were thinly manned. The Colonel I'owed 
one boat himself, which was s-teered by a v.-oundcd sol- 
dier. Soon after they left the camp, a signal gun was 
fired at Maiden, and the brig Hunter made her appeai'- 
ance and commenced firing on the boat?. Th(^ men 



74 HISTOTIY OF 

immediately put to shore, and all that v ere able raa 
across a swamp j prairie to the woods, leaving the woun- 
ded in the boats to the protection of the Colonel and 
two or three others. At this critical juncture, the en- 
ergy, aliability and humanity of Col. M'Arthur shone 
with conspicuous luster. Having secured his boat, he 
prevailed on the men to return to their duty ; distributed 
Avhiskej ; invited them to drink freely ; I'elated the 
anecdote of the Indian drinking the contents of his bot- 
tle as he w as about to be precipitated over the cataract 
of Niagara, and finally induced them to brave the fire 
of the brig by rowing to a point within blank shot of the 
Hunter, and v/here the woods approached within a 
short distance of the water. Here lie landed, and or- 
dered xhe mGYi to assist in carrying the wounded into 
the woods, setting the ex£ n^ple himself. They were 
llien conveyed in v» aggons to Detroit. During the time 
! hat the wounded were parsing from the boats to the 
r'i oods, and ^^]u\e xhe waii;:;:;ons continued in reach of 
iheguns of the brig, she kept up an inces-^ant fire» 

On the llth Col. Miller received peremptory orders 
xo return to Detroit, where he arrived early on the 12th. 
A boat bearing a white flag, vas this day seen descend-. 
:\n^ the river to Sandwich, where it was known that 
Gen. Brock had ari-ived Y.ith the 41st regiment. The 
appearance of this flag excited almost universal disgust 
in the army ; beca-iise, fvon the manner in which flags 
/)f truce had been treated by the enemy.* the General 

* At the time Col. Casfc Hist marched to Aio Ct^rnards 
Capt. Brown, by command of Gen. Hull, bore a white 
Hag to Maiden : just as he had lei't the shore, on his 
return, he was repeatc.ily tired nt. by the Indians in full 

view of the British ir*: >ps ixnd •• uizeti'^ <>!' .Vjnhj'i-sthiirgh 



TI£E LATE AVAK. V5 

had promised tlic Colonels that no more should be sent. 

Cols. M-Arthur, Cass and Findicy called on the 
General to know why a white Has was sent to the ene- 
my ; the General said that it v,as sent without hi-^ 
authority, and denied haying any knowledge of its de- 
^iarture or its object. The colonels then offered to 
examine into the aftair, and haye the ofiender punisl^eo. 
The general appeared much disconcerted «t their deter- 
jnined conduct, and observed tiiat he would encjuire of 
Capt. Hickman, (a yolunteer aid) whether he had 
authorised any person to go to tlie enemy's camp with a 
jiag. After an absence of a few minutes, he returned 
and stated that Capt Hickman had had a conversation 
with Capt. Rough on tlie subject, who probably had 
misconceived the meaning of Capt. Hickman's words ! 

The pati'iotic Colonels extended their enquiries no 
further, but left their general with disgust and mortifica- 
tion. They instantly wrote a confidential letter to 
Gov. Meigs advising kim of the state of affairs, request- 
ing prompt reinforcements, and expressing at the same 
time, their doubts of their general's fidelity.* 

In the mean while the stockade at Gowies was evac- 
uated ; Major Denny and his convalescents had done 
every tiling in their pov/er to strengthen and retain this 
post. After burning the works they crossed oyer to 
Detroit. 

On the ISthjthe British were seen marching up from 
Sandwich, witii a train of artillery within point blank 
shot. The general woaid not permit Licut^. Dolabv 
and Anderson to fire on them vith their 21 pouut'ej5. 

» This letter was signed by Col?^ M^Vriiiur, Fijidir- 
and Cass, Qiiarter Master General Taylor, aiid Cap^ }'. 
.Brush, 



. <J 



HISlX)Ry OF 



They were suffered to take a position directl}^ opposite 
Detroit, where, without the least interruption the j were 
permitted to erect a battery. 

On the evening of tlie 14ih,a detachment of SOO men, 
exclusive of omcers, marched from the encampment by 
^a circuitous route, in the rear of the settlements, for the 
river Raisin. The detachment Mas composed of volun- 
teers from the regiments of Cols. M'Arthur and Cass* 
Col. M'Arthur remonstrated against the usual practice 
of scndiiig out detachments without provisions ; the 
general promised to send provisions after them on pack 
jiorses ; but this proraise \^ as not complied with. 

This route was through an almostimpervious thicket ; 
the troops could make but a slow progress. After 
snarchinj^ about 24 miles, it was found impracticable in 
their debilitated state, to reach the river Aux Raisins ; 
then 47 miles distant. A council of officers, therefore) 
deemed it expedient to return to camp. 

On the 15th^ Gen. Hull pitched a murkee in the centre 
of the encampment, of a most singular appearance, with 
red and blue stripes painted on the top and sides, which 
gave it a strong resemblance to the British flag I As the 
general had not erected a tent, in camp since the 4th of 
July, this became an object of surprise, and evidently 
portentous of the issue. 

About 10 o'clock two officers arrived from Sandwich, 
with a flag of truce, requiring the surrender of Detroit, 
to the arms of hia Britannic Majesty.* To this an im- 

* The following is the copy of Gen. Brock's letter to 
Gen Hull. 

Head Quarters, Sandialch, August 15th^ 1812. 

Sir,— The force at my disposal, authorises me to re- 
cuire of y< u the surrender of Fort Detroit. It is far 



THKLATKWAR. 77 

mediate and spirited refusal was returned. h\ the 
meanwhile the British were demolishing a honse oppo- 
site Detroit, behind which they hsd erected a batteiy, 
and on the American side Lieuts. Dolabj and Anderson 
were engaged in building batteries and implantiug their 
cannon. The bearers of the flag of truce having return- 
ed, the British armed vessels appeared belov/ Sandwich 
and their batteries commenced a heavy fire upon the. 
town of Detroit and the fort, but without eiTcct. The. 
fire was returned with spirit, and continued without 
interruption till 10 o'clock at night. 

At the commencement of the firing, all the troops 
were crowded into the fort, except Col. Findlcy's re;^- 
ment, which was stationed about 300 yards north east 
from the fort. Brigade >Iajor Jessup and Quarter Mas- 
ter Dugan rode to Spring wells to observe the enemy at 
Sandwich. They concluded it was his intention to land 
the next morning, as the Queen Charlotte was anchored 
in a position to cover tlieir troops. It was tlie opinion 
of Major Jessup that a battery could be erected at the 

from my inclination to join in a war of extermination, 
but you must be aware, that the numerous body of 
Indians who have attached themselves to my troops 
will be beyend my control the moment the con- 
test commences. You will find me disposed to enter 
into such conditions as will satisfy the most scrupulous 
sense of honor. Lieut. Col. M'Donald and Major Gleg^ 
are fully authorised to conclude any arrangement that 
may lead to prevent an unnecessary effusion of bloodi 
I have the honor to be &c. 

ISAAC BROCK, Jtfa;. Gen. 
t BrijT. Gen. Hull. 

The reply of Gen. Hull was spirited, at least in 
sound. He declared himself able to defend his post, 
and willing to abide the consequences of his refasai. 
' G 2 



U .illSTORYOF 

Spiifig wells, capable of sinking this ve8sel. He re- 
turned to Gen. Hull and requested permission to perform 
inis ^service. The general would not consent to the 
measure. He then asked if he might be permitted to 
cross the river with 100 men, to attempt the spiking of the 
enemj-'s cannon ; to which the general answered ; " I 
will think of it." 

At day light, on the morning of the IGthj the firing 
recommenced on both sides. About an hour before the 
surrender, our artillerists were ordered to desist firing 
upon the enemy, although they had silenced two of their 
guns. About 7 o'clock, the enemy had completed their 
landing at the Spring wells, and immediately took up 
their line of march for Detroit. The force landed, 
(according to the official account of Gen. Brock,) 
"consisted of 30 royal artillerists, 250 of the 41st 
regiment, 50 of the royal Newfoundland regiment, 400 
militia, and about 600 Indians," with 3 six, and 2 three 
pounders. The regulars and militia moved in close 
column, 12 in front, upon the margin of the river, and 
the Indians through the woods, west of the town. 

When they had advanced within reach of the gians of 
the fort,* tht ai-tillerists were ordered by Capt. Forsytho 
and Lieut* Anderson to do their duty ; but just as they 
were in the act of applying the matches, Capt. Dyson, 
the senior commandant of artillery, approached with a 
drawn sword, and swore that the first man who attempt- 
ed to fire on the enemy, should be cut in pieces. 

The British batteries now kept up a constant fue at 
the fort 5 few of the shot did execution ; one, which had 
nearly spent its force, fell into the fort, and killed 

* The 24 pounders were each loaded with 6 dozen 
jrrape shot. 



THE LATE VVAll. T9 

Capt. Hanks.* Ensign Sibl y aud Dr. Reynolds and dan- 
gerously wounded Dr. Rlood. Another passed through 
the gate, and killed two soldiers in the barracks. Two 
men outside the, works were al-so.kdled. The shells 
mostly burst in the a'tr. ' 

About 10 o'clock the Indians appeared in the e^dge of 
the woods in the rear of the fort, shooting horses and 
the Merino Sheep, which had been taken from the Eail 
of Selkirk's farm at Belle Donne 1 

The fort was now filled with women and children. 
The men were stationed on the ramparts of .the fort. 
At this moment an officer of the Michigan militia came 
riding into the fort, and en(iuired " if Gen. Hull expec- 
ted Col. Brush to defend the town with 2 or 300 men ?'? 
The advance of the British force v/ere now at the tan- 
yards one fourth of a mile distant. Gen. Hull immedi- 
ately on this near approach of the enemy, went into a 
room in the barracks, and in less than five minutes 
returned with a note which he handed to his son, who 
instantly hoisted a white flag upon a pike staff and then 
departed for the British advancing column. In a few 
minutes Capt. Hull returned accompanied by Lieut. 
Col. M'Donald and Major GIegg,who went immediately 
to the Markee pitched by Gen. Hull the preceding day. 
The articles of capitulation were soon signed and the 
two Briiish officers mounted their horses and returned 
to the ground, oecupied by the troops of Gen. Brocki 
Durins: their absence the troops in the fort were ordered 
to stack their arms, and those under Col. Findley were 
marched in. Shortly after, the British troops marched 

* The con.nii*ndant of Michilimackinac at the time 
of its surrender 5 a naave of the state of Nev/ York, 
and a bruTO officer. 



80 HISTORY OF 

into the fort with Gen. Brock at their head. The Ameri- 
can forces were then marched into an adjoining garden, 
where the disgraceful terms of the capitulation were read 
to them. The anger of our men could not be restrain- 
ed. The greater part shed tears of rage. Many of 
them, when ordered to stack their arms on the esplanade 
indignantly dashed them to pieces. 

While Gen. Hull was surrendering the fort and town 
of Detroit into the hands of Gen. Rrock, Col. M'Arthur 
was approaching the fort with his detachment, on its re- 
turn from its abortive expedition towards the river Rai- 
sin. When within a mile of the fort, he was informed 
ef its surrender. He immediately retreated to the river 
Rouge. From this place, Capt. Mansfield was sent \> ith 
a flag of truce to the fort; on his way the Indians rob- 
bed him of his horse, arms, and the greater part of his 
clothing. In the evening, he returned to the detach- 
ment in company with Majors Dixon and Givens, and 
Capt, Elliott, of the British army, who handed the colonel 
the articles of capitulation. The detachment then 
marched to Detroit and stacked their arms in the citadel. 

The batteries then commenced firing a feu de joye ; 
the Indians raised the yell of triumph, and instantly 
commenced plundering the inhabitants, and our dra- 
goons oftheir horses and accoutrements. 

The following authentic anecdote will illustrate the 
extent of military authority, which the British officers 
exercise over the Indians. An American officer who 
had brought with him an elegant horse from Chilicothe, 
for which he had paid 200 dollars, was in the act of sell- 
ing him to a British officer 5 while they were settling 
the price, an Indian came up, snatched the bridle from 
the waiter's hand, tlircw it over the horses neck, mount- 



THE LATE WAR. 81 

cd and rode off with his prey. The horse was elegatitly 
mounted with holsters and pistols. In this manner was 
private property respected and the articles of capitula- 
tion observed ! 

The 4th regiment was put on board the Queen Char- 
lotte and other armed vessels and landed at Fort Ericy 
from thence they were marched to Quebec. The Ohio 
volunteers were paroled and landed at Cleveland, at the 
mouth of Cayahoga. The British General violated the 
articles of capitulation by compelling the volunteers to 
give up their rifles, which were private property* 

Tlie number of troops surrendered amounted to about 
2J00 men. The same number of arms were stacked on 
the esplanade and in the arsenal. There was an abun- 
dance of fixed ammunition. In the magazine was 60 
barrels of powder and 150 tons of lead. There were 25 
pieces of iron ordnance, and eight brass field pieces* 
In the contractor's store were at least 25 days provisiong 
and in the territory an abundance of wheat, with mills 
for grinding any quantity of flour. To these, and oth- 
er resources both in the territory and in Canada, may be 
added 150 pack horse loads of flour and 300 head of cat- 
tle, under the escort of Capt Brush at the river Raisin. 

The army of Gen. Hull was composed of the best 
materials. The men were brave and patriotic ; which 
they proved as often as their commander gave them an 
opportunity to distinguish themselves. That the officers 
were well selected is proved by the circumstance that 
they have mostly been promoted for subsequent services. 

The Colonels M'Arthur, Cass, Findley and Miller 
were beloved by their men. The Quarter Master Gen- 
eral James Taylor, was indefatigable in the discharge of 
the duties of his department ; and thereby endejired 
himself to the whole array. 



82 HISTOliY OF 

The news of the surrender of Detroit was so unexpec-* 
ted, that it came like a clap of thunder to the ears of the 
American people. No one would believe the first re* 
port. Tlie disastrous event blasted the prospects of the 
first campaign, and opened tlie northern and western 
frontiers of Ohio to savage incursions. 

Note. A court martial convened at Albfaij in ihe 
winter of 1814, sentenced Gen. Hull to be shot.* 
The sentence was remitted hy the Tre^dent. 

* See Appendix Ev 



t 



THE LATE WAR. &3 



Campaigns of General Harrison* 

REVIOUS to the surrender of Detroit, the Gov- 
ernors of Ohio and Kentuckj in obedience to the 
directions of the war department, had detached power- 
ful reinforcemeRts to the aid of Gen Hull. Had he 
deferred the capitulation but a few days longer, his 
army, Detroit, and the Michigan territory would have 
been saved. 

The forces advancing to his support consisted of 2,000 
militia under Brig. Gen. Payne, and a battalion of 
mounted rifiemen under Col. R. M. Johnson, from Ken- 
tucky ; a brigade of Ohio militia under the orders of 
Brig. Gen. Tupper and nearly 1000 regulars under the 
command of Gen. Winchester. They had reached the 
St. Mary's, when the news of the capture of Detroit 
was received. 

The news of the loss of Gen. Hull's armv cast a tern- 
porary gloom over the whole union. But for the well 
timed arrival of the above force a wide scene of flight 
and misery, of blood and desolation must have ensued. 
Nearly half of the territory of Ohio, must have been 
depopulated, or its inhabitants fallen victims to th^ 
scalping knife. 

The force already upon the western frontiers of Ohio 
was sufficient to arrest the tide of savage invasion, but 
it became necessary to retrieve the honor ol the Amcri-- 
can arms and to expel the invader from liis cheaply ac- 
r^uired conquests. 

A commander of military exponence was watted, all 
f^yes, a? by a common impulse, v.as directai to the hero 



84 HISTORY OF 

of Tippecanoe, The Governor of Kentucky accord- 
ingly brevetted William Henry Harrison, a Major 
General. This conxnaissipin did not constitute him 
commander in chief of tlie whole north western army. 

Early in September, a large Indian and British force 
left Maiden for the Ohio frontiers. The Indians advan- 
ced to Fort Wayne* and closely invested it. The 
troops under Gen. Harrison marched to its relief. The 
savages fled at their approach. 

It was considered a favorable moment to punish the 
Indians for their numerous murders. The array was 
divided ; a part under the command of Gen. Payne, 
who was directed to destroy the Miami towns at the 
forks of the Wabash. Gen. Harrison accompanied this 
expedition. Four of the Indian villages were burnt, and 
all their corn cut up or otherwise destroyed. 

The other division of the army was confided to the 
command of Col. Wells, and liad orders to go against 
the village of tlie Pottowatemies on Elkhart, a branch 
of the fSt. Joseph of lake Michigan ; these villages 
are five in number and one situated on an immense 
prairie at the distance of 60 miles from Fort Wayne. 
This expedition was also successful, the towns were 
destroyed by the mounted battalion of Col. R. M. 

* Fort Wayne is situated at the junction of the St, 
Mary and St. Joseph rivers, which form the Miami of 
the lake, and not more than twelve miles from the navi- 
gable waters of the Wabash. This post is nearly in the 
center of the Ii^lian settlements on this side the Mis- 
sissippi. Many Indian villages lay from 12 to 60 miles 
from this place. Ext<»nsive prairies are found in almost 
every dir<*ction. There are considerable cornfields in 
the vicinity of the fort, wliich is a stockade with block 
houses at the pjigles. 



THE LATE WAR. 65 

Johnson. Oq the return of the detachment to Fort 
Wayne, a scouting party under the Rev. James Sugget 
defeated a party of Indians. A private of the name of 
findrew Johnson, killed a Pottawatemie chief. 

At this time Gen. Winchester arrived at Fort Wayne, 
to whom Gen. Harrison resigned the command ; he- 
cause, before it was known at the seat of government, 
that the Governor of Kentucky had brevetted General 
Harrison, an order had been forwarded to Gen. Win- 
chester, directing him to take comniand of the corps 
under Gen. Payne. 

Considerable discontent and murmuring were ex- 
pressed by the troops when they v»'ere informed of the 
change of commanders ; but the eloquence of the Gen- 
eral soon reconciled them to the arrangement. He 
assured them that if any thing could soften the regret 
he felt at parting with men who had so entirely won his 
confidence and aftection,it was the circumstance of hiij 
committing them to the charge of one of the lieroes of 
the revolution, a man distinguished as well for the ser- 
vices he had rendered his country, as for the pos? ession 
of every qualification which constitutes the gentleman. 

In marching to the relief of Fort Wayne, and in the 
several expeditions against the Indians, the conduct of 
the troops was highly honorable to tlieii- characters as 
soldiers; ten days, while on active and severe duty, 
they had scarcely a sufficiency of food to sustain them, 
and entirely without some articles of the ration ; and 
that too without complaint ; with an alaciity which 
could have been expected only from regular troops. 
But such was their personal attachment to Gen. Harrison 
that they would have suftered under his guidance aimoft 
any fatigue or pri^ ation without a murmur. 

H 



■<&•. 



86 HISTORY OF 

Gen, Harrison retired to St. Mary's to organize some 
volunteers. Gen. Winchester, with the army descend- 
ed the Miami to fort Defiance. At Pic^ua Gen. Harri- 
son met (lie dispatch from Washington, appointing him 
commander in chief of the north western army. 

At fort Defiance* Gen. W^inchester found the white 
and i-ed enemy in possession of the ground and too 
strong for his numlers. He dispatched an express to 
Generr.l Harrison who liaster.ed to his relief with about 
1200 mounted riiiemen and musketeers, all furnished 
with 3 days provisions. In the mean time, however, 
tke enemy had suddenly decamped, descending the Mi- 
iiim. Our troops pursued, but could not overtake the 
fiijfitivcs. 

Gen. Hun iion now- resumed the command of the ar- 
iA^\ His attention was for some time confined to pre- 
paring depots of proYision?, ammunition and clothing, 
in openiiig roads, building boats aiid erecting block 
houses, preparatory to attempting the execution of the 
grand object of the campaign, 

Or; the 4th of Octohei'. 0?n. Tupper was ordered to 
repair to the foot of the rapids of tlie Miarai with the 
mounted force in condition for service. This move- 
ment was not executed. Gen. Tupper made a lengthy 
exposition of the causes which produced the failure of 
the expedition,in which he attempted to throw the blame 
en Gen. Winchester, whom he charged %vith giving 
counter oders.f 

However, in Nov. Gen. Tupper with a detachment of 
1000 men advanced to thii rapids, for the purpose of 

* Now called Fort Winchester. 

t The writer is not in possession of sufficient data to 
determiner on whon\ vUf blame ought to rest. 



THE LATE WAll. 87 

driving oft* a party of British and Indians, wlio had col- 
lected there for gathering the corn, Mluch remained in 
the fields. He arrived there undiscovered bv the ene- 
mj) on the night of the 14th ; he immediately made 
dispositions for passing the river, and some of his meu 
succeeded in getting over but the gi-eater part missed 
the ford, and were in danger of being drov/ned. I'he; 
arms of many were either lost, or wet, so tliat thcr 
could not be discharged. At day light the British gun 
boats at anchor in tlie river sli})ped tlielr cables and 
dropped do v/n the lake, but the Indians more daring 
than their allies crossed over on horse back, and com- 
menced several violent attacks on our troops. They 
were received with firmness, driven back, aiul forced to 
recross the river with considerable loss. The Americans 
had four killed and three wounded. 

The Wj'andot chief Split Log, was conspicuous m 
leading the Indians to the attack, being mounted on 
a stately white charger. 

Early in Dccemder a detachment of GOO men under 
the command of Col. Campbell, marched from Frauk- 
linton against the Miami Indians. On the ITih. they 
arrived at a village situated on the Missisinv.ev* a head 
branch of the Wabash. They entered at full speed ; 
surprised it ; killed 7 M'a.rriors, and took ST prisoners. 
They then descended the river S miles., burning three 
other villages in their progress, returned to the first 
village and encamped for the night. About an hour 
before the dawn of da}^, the sentinels were fired on by 
the Indians, and instantly a fiirions attack was com- 
menced on tlie right fiank of th? detacliment, command 
ed by Major Bull, who sustained and returned tlie fire 
till dav li2;ht. when the enemv v/ere cliavLr'.d ar.d di^- 



SS HISTORY OF 

persed with the loss of 40 killed. The loss, of i\it 
detachiiient v, as 9 killed, and abo'at 40 wounded. Capt. 
Pierce, v/ho distinguished himself was killed. Lieut; 
Waltz of Capt. Markle's troop of horse (from Greens* 
lurgh, Penn.) was shot throiigh the arm ; but anxious 
ptili farther to exert hiraself, attempted to mount his 
horse, and while making the effort was shot through the 
head. 

Col. Campbell, Major Ball, Capts. Trotter, M'Clel- 
land, Hopkins, Garrard and Markie, were particularly 
complimented by Gen. Harrison, in a general order for 
their bravery and good conduct during the expedition. 

The pi-isoners were treated with humanity ; even the 
warrior:?, when they ceased resistance were spared, 
which is not the usual custom in expeditions against 
the Indians. 

The fcufferings of the men from cold, hunger and 
fatigue, in their retreat from Missisinwey, were severe. 
Tliey v\ ere in the center of the Indian country. Nu- 
lAerous bands of exasperated savage warriors were 
known to be within a few hours march. They were 
(bilged to carry their sick and wounded on litters. 
The weather was intensely cold ; their march was slow, 
tedious and circumspect. At night, only half of the 
men coidd sleep, while the other were on guard. Pleu- 
risy and bad colds afflicted nearly the whole corps. 
Numbers were frostbitten. 

It is proper here to state that the patriotic Governors of 
Virginia and Pennsylvania, had each detached from 1500 
to 2000 men to i^iie aid of Gen. Harrison. The Penn- 
.^ylvanians under Brig. Gen. Brooks, rendezvoused at 
Pittsburgh, and marched from thence to Mansfield in 
Ohio. The Yirginians were under the direction of 



THK LATE WAR. 80 

Brigadier General Leftwich, and t'iok the ro.ite of 
Chilicotlie in their march to the head quarters of the 
north western army. 

Upon the ap})roach of winter, Gen. Harrison found 
that a considerable pro])ortion of his men, were desti- 
tute of many essential articles of clotliins;, which could 
not be supplied from the scanty stock furnished by tlie 
United States. He therefore, in an animated address, 
made the appeal patriotic to the people of Kentucky 
and Ohio. This appeal was not made to a cold, phleg- 
matic people. Liberal donations of various articles of 
clothing and comfort were every where piesented, iiud 
proper persons appointed to forward tl-em to the army. 

Gen. Harrison left the army for a few weeks, ond 
repaired to Chilicothe, on business. The citizens in\il.- 
ed him to a public dinner. He Reclined the honor of 
the invitation, observing, in substance that it did not 
become him to accept of sumptuous entertainments, 
wliile his men were exposed to the rigors of the season, 
enduring the fatigues of military duty, and subsisting 
on the coarsest of food. 

On the 14th of December, the left wing of the ramy 
moved from Fort Winchester to the Ramds. At this 
time the Ohio troops v»^ere at Fort M' Arthur ; the Penn- 
sylvanians at Manslield, and the Virginians at Dela- 
ware. 

Gen. Harrison fixed his head quarters at Upper San- 
dusky. The provisions, military stores, and the trains 
of artillery having reached the difierent depots, the 
hopes of the nation that victory would soon crown the 
eftorts of the north western arntv were clterislied wiih 
confidence. 

On the 14th of Jamiary. C'.A. li?v.is. advanced from 

IT O 



90 HISTORY OF 

rlie Rapids to'.vards the river Aux Raisins, and on the 
I Sill found the enemy in force and disposed to dispute 
rhe possession of the place. He attacked them in the 
iowm. The Indiarss raised their accustomed yell. But 
the noise was drowned in the returning shouts of the 
assailants. The Canadian militia instantly retreated, 
rhe Indians maintained the action some time, but gave 
way in all directions, when resolutely charged by the 
Americans. About 40 of the savages hit the dust. Of 
Ccl. Lewis' party, 12 were killed, and 52 wounded. 

Glen. Winchester followed with a reinforcement, and 
took a position on the banks of the river Baisin. His 
whole force amounted to about 800 men ; a part of which 
were posted behind a picket fence ; the residue weie 
encamped on an open field a little to the right of the 
main body and entirely uncovered. 

From tJie river Raisin to Maiden, is only 18 miles ; 
the distance bv land or v/ater is about the same. Both 
banks of the river are settled to the distance of 9 miles 
from the lake by Canadian French or their descendants* 
The greater part of the inhabitants are attached to the 
United States. But there are some, who are fit for 
" treason, stratagems and crimes," and would readily 
seize every occasion to communicate intelligence to 
the British and India:i3. 

By some unaccountable neglect in the commanding 
General, the first notice which the Americans received 
of the enemy, was from the mouths of six nine pounders 
discharged at our troops on the22d, at beating of reveil- 
le ! At the moment of the commencement of the at- 
tack, C4en. Winchester and several of his ofiicers were 
at their lad« ings at some distance from the troops. The 
(roops which were uncovcreil, sustained the contest but, 



THE LATE WAR. 91 

a lew minutes, when broken, and overpowered by num- 
bers, they recrossed the river and endeavored to save 
themselves by flight. In this attempt, they failed ; for 
they were met by a large body of Indians, who had 
gained their rear. A horrible massacre ensued. The 
greater part were surrounded by a horde of painted sav- 
ages, yelling like a band of infernals, and literally cut 
to pieces. Others forced their way through the Indians 
and attempted to escape by running. The pursuit was 
continued upwards of 3 miles ; many, even of those 
who trusted to their heels, were overtaken and massa- 
cred. The snow several inches deep, was crimsoned 
with the blood of the fugitives. This part of the army, 
although soon routed, after they found no safety in flight, 
resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible, and 
fought desperately. 

The left wing, with spartan valor maintained a deter- 
mined resistance within the pickets until eleven o'clock, 
when a flag arrived from general Wincheftter, who had 
been taken prisoner at the commencement of the action 
in an attempt to rally the troops composing the right 
wing. Major Madison, who commanded within the 
pickets, perceiving no means of escape, and resistance 
ineffectual, as the Indians were too numerous in his 
rear to enable him to retreat, and, as the enemy had 
several pieces of cannon by the use of which they were 
rapidly demolishing ihe, pickets, a capitulation became 
indispensable. 

The loss of the Americans was unusually severe, 
being nearly 400 in killed, v.ounded and missing. 
Among the officers slain, were Col. Allen, and Captains 
Hickman, Simpson,* Mead, Edwards and M'Cracken. 

* This patriotic ofliccrhad been elected a member of 



n HISTORY Of 

To the enemy it was a dear bought triiiiph. His 
regulars three times advanced boldly to within pistol 
shot of the pickets, and as often retreated in confusion. 
The Americans would permit them to approach within 
full reach of tlieir pieces, before ihej poured the leaden 
shower, directed with deadly aim. . 

During the whole of the action, a constant fire was 
kept up by tlie enemy from six pieces of camion ; it was 
the eftect of the cannon shot and a scarcity of ammuni- 
tion, which compelled our troops to give up the contest. 
Against musketry, the left wing would have maintained 
their position till reinforcements could have arrived. 

After the capitulation, the American commanding 
officer remonstrated with Gen. Proctor against exposing 
the prisoners to the vengeance of the savages. The 
General promised to protect them, but forgot to keep 
his word. They were left without Ihe promised pro- 
tection, and on the morning of the SSd, horrible to re- 
late, the allies of a christian King^ stript, tomahawked 
and scalped the wounded Americans, and burjit all of 
them who were unable to ^^alk. 

To the dead were denied the rights of sTpulture. The 
living were for the most part stiipt of thoir clothing, 
jdundered of tiieir money, and their arms given to tlie 
Indians.* 

The advance of Gen. Winchester to the river Raisin 
was authorised. It has been said that he was overruled 
by his officers, and that the movement was made from 
motives of humanity, in order to afford succor to the 

Congress in August preceding. Col. Owing his fiie:id 
obtained some of his effects from the French of ihe M. 
T. in the autumn of 1813. 



* S 



ee Appendix, F. 



tHE LATE \VAR. 9S 

i^rench inhabilants on that river, who had been threat- 
ened with savage vengeance. To this disastrous and 
indiscreet movement, or rather to the unprepared and 
scattered state of the army, on the morning of the 21st 
of January, may be attributed the failure of Gen. Harri> 
son's first campaign. 

We cannot forbear to notice in this place a circum- 
stance that reflects the greatest lustre on the military 
character of the Kentuckians. On their march from 
fopt Defiance to the Rapids, the horses were worn Oitt 
and nearly famished for want of forage. The men 
themselves, were destitute of many articles of the first 
necessity. Yet these circumstances did not in the least 
dampen their ardor. M'hen the horses were no longer 
able to draw, these gallant sons of Mars harnessed 
themselves to the sleds, and in this manner, with cheer- 
fulness and alacrity, conveyed their baggage 60 miles 
through frost and snow : thus, manifesting an intrepid- 
ity of character which rivals that of the heroes of Greece 
or Rome. 

Yet these were men, whose homes, for the most part 
were the seats of elegance and wealth ; but their spirits 
were not to be broken by adversity. Notwithstanding 
they were compelled to travel on foot and with scarcely 
covering for their Backs, in the dead of winter, from 
Maiden to Buffalo, and from thence to Kentucky,*a 
distance of 800 miles, still, not a murimir escaped their 
lips ! Their honest hearts sprung forward with the 
elastic hope, tl at their wrongs would be avenged and 
the day of rctnbution arrive. 

After the <lefeat of Gen. Winchester, Gen. Harrison 
retreated from the rapids 18 miles, and took a position 
at Portage river. It being found impractihle to remove 



&4 HISTORY OF 

all the provisions, a considerable quantity was destroyed. 
On the SOth Gen. Harrison dispatched Mr. Lamont, 
Doctor M'Keehan and a Frenchman with a flag of truce 
to Maiden. They encamped the fust night near the 
Rapids, and hoisted the wliite flag ; but this was not 
respected; the Indians fired upon them while asleep, 
killed Lamont j wounded Dr. M'Keehan and took the 
Doctor &nd the Fj-enchman prisoners. 

Gov. Meigs having ordered out two regiments of Ohio 
militia, to reinforce Gen. Harrison ; the army again 
advanced to the Rapids and commenced building fort 
Meigs. Gen. Crook-s brigade in the mean time ware 
busily emploj^ed in fortifying at Upper Sandusky. 

Gen. Harrison having learnt that a body of Indians 
were collected at Presque Isle, near the mouth of the 
Miami, marched from his camp at the Rapids, on the 
0th of February, at the head of a detachment of his ar- 
my, to a.ttack them. The enemy fled ; our troops 
pursued almost to the river Raisin, but finding it im- 
possible to overtake them, the troops returned to camp 
much exhausted with fatigue. Such was their desire to 
come up with the foe, that tliey marched nearly GO 
miles in 21 hours. 

On the Srth of February, a detachment of 150 men, 
under Capt. Langliam, left the Rapids for the purpose of 
destroying tlie Queen Charlotte, near Maiden i the ice 
was found too far decayed to accomplish t,he object of 
the expedition. 

On the 15th of April a desperate rencontre took place 
on the Miami, a fev/ miles below fort Meigs, between 
ten Frenchmen, from the river Raisin, and about an 
equal number of Indians. Both ]}arties were in canoes, 
and they maintained the fight till the greater part on 
both sides were either killed or wounded. 



THE LATE AVAR. 95 

The army were now engaged incessantly in strength- 
ening the posts of Fort Meigs, Upper Sandusky, and 
Fort Stephenson. General Harrison left the army for 
the purpose of consulting with Gov. Meigs, and for 
expediting tlie march of reinforcements. No event of 
moment occurred during the remainder of the winter. 

The term of service of the greater part of the mili- 
tia composing the northwestern army, having expired, 
new levies, from Ohio and Kentucky, were ordered on 
to supply their places. But these not arriving in 
season, the Pennsylvania brigade volunteered their 
services for anotlier month, to defend Fort Me)gs,which 
was menaced with an attack. This conduct was tlie 
more honorable, as this corps had undergone incredible 
hardships during the M'inter, in dragging artillery and 
stores from Sandusky to the Rapids.* 

* A private. in the Petersburgh volunteers, draws the 
following picture of a soldier's life : It describes the 
march of his company at the time of AA'inchcster's de- 
feat. — " On the second day of our march a courier ar- 
rived from Gen. Harrison, ordering the artillery to ad- 
vance with all possible speed 5 this was rendered totally 
impossible by the snow which took place, it being a 
complete swamj) nearly all the way. On the evening 
of the same day news arrived that Gen. Harrison had 
retreated to Portage river, 18 miles in the rear of the 
encampKient at the Rapids. As many men as could be 
spared determined to proceed Immediately to reinforce 
him. It is unnecessary to state that we were among 
the lirst wlio wished to advance. At 2 o'clock the next 
morning, our tents were struck, and in hall and hour 
w'C were on tlie road. I wUl candidly confess, that en 
that day I regretted being a soldier. On that day, we 
marched thirty miles under an incessant rain ; and 1 
am afraid vou will dou])t my vcracitv when I tell vou, 
that in 8 inile-^ ot tiie best ol' the road, it took ua over 



96 HISTORY OF 

On the SOtli of April, G^n. Harrison returned to 
Fort Meigs, and began to prepare for the approaching 
storm. Patroling parties were frequently sent out to 
discover the movements of the enemy, who had been 
discovered on the margin of the lake. 

On the 26th the advance of the enemy made its ap-^ 
peai'ance on the opposite shore,and after reconnoitering 
a few minutes, withdrew. On the Srth they returned, 
but were soon made to retire bv the balls from the fort. 
]Sver since the General had arrived in camp, the greatest 
diligence was displayed by the ofMcers and soldiers. 
Fortifications of various descriptions were carried on 
\^ith unparalleled exertions. Every moment of tlie 

the knees, and often to the middle. The Black Swamp 
(4 miles from Portage river, and 4 in the extent) would 
have been considered impassable by all but men deter- 
mined to surmount every difficulty to accomplish the 
object of their march. In this swamp you lose sight of 
terra firma altogether — ^the water was about 6 inches 
deep on the ice, which was very rotten, often breaking 
through to the depth of four or five feet. 

« The same night we encamped on very Avet ground, 
hut the driest that could be found, the rain still continu- 
ing. It was with difficulty we could raise fires ; we had 
no tents, our clothes were wet, no axes, nothing to cook 
in, and very little to eat. A brigade of pack horses 
being near us, we procured from them some flour, killed 
a hog, (there being plenty of them along the road ;) our 
bread was baked in the ashes, and the pork v/e broiled 
on the coals — a sweeter meal I never partook of. When 
we went to sleep, it was on two logs laid close to each 
other, to keep our bodies from the damp ground. 
Good God ! what a pliant being is man in adversity. 
The loftiest spirit tliat ever inhabited the human breast, 
^A'ould have been tamed amid tiie difficulties that sur- 
FQunded us." 



THE LATE WAR. §7 

(ieuerdl was occupied in directing the works. lis ad- 
dressed the men in a most masterly and eloquent man- 
ner on the situation in which the fortune of war liad 
placed thero, and of the importance of every man'^ 
being > igilant and industrious at his post. This address 
converted every man into a hero : it inspired them with 
a zeal, courage and patriotism never surpassed. 

On the 28th the enemy commenced a very brisk fire 
ef small arms — in the evening the Indians were con- 
veyed over the river in boats and surrounded tiie garri- 
son in every direction. Several of Col. Ball's dragoons 
volunteered to reconnoitei' the enemy's camp, but be- 
fore they had got far from the fort they were fired on 
by the Indians and compelled to return. 

On the 2'3th the siege began in earnest, all communi- 
cation with the other post was cut off. The firing was 
kept up t\\e whole day. The enemy liad ])rogresse(.l 
so far in the construction of their battel ie.i during the 
night, that they afforded them sufficient protection to 
work by day light. A man was this day mortally 
wounded as he was standing near the general. 

April 30— "the besieged kept up a well directed fire 
against the enemy's batteries and considerably impeded 
their progress. Boats filled with men were s€en ta 
pass to the fort -Meigs side of the rivcf-; this induced 
the General to believe that their intention y as io draw 
his attention to their batteries, and tosurpi l!^e and siovm 
the camp in the lear. Orders were therefore given for 
one third of the men to be continually on guard, and the 
remaining two thirds to sleep witli tlieir muskets ia 
their arms, aiid to bo constantly prepai'cd, at a xr.o-j 
ment's warning, to fly to- tiieir poet^. The^e or.iofs 
were btdctly ob^'yed, aJid every duty rcrfoinKtt 



98 HISTORY OF 

Avith clieerfiiliies3. Notwithstanding the incessant 
fire of the enemy, the men were obliged to go to 
the river for water every night ; tlie well not being 
finished. Several of the men were this day wounded 
and tlic General being continually exposed, had several 
narrow escapes. During the night the enemy towed up 
a gun boat near the fort and fired at point blank shot 
for some time, but without effect. They retired from 
this position as soon as it v. as light enough for our gun- 
ners to see her. 

The grand traverse was now completed, as well as 
several small ones in various directions. The fire from 
the garrison was begun witli effect. During the day 
(May 1st) the enemy fired 256 times from their gun 
batteries. Their 24 pound shot passed through the 
pickets without cutting them down. Our gunners silen- 
ced one of their pieces several times. They did not 
fire so rapidly as the enemy, but with a better aim ; 8 
of the Americans were wounded this day ; a bullet 
struck the seat on which the General was sitting, and a 
volunteer was at the same time w ounded as he stood 
directly opposite to him. 

On the 2d of May both parties commenced firing very 
early with bombs and balls, and continued it very brisk- 
ly all day. Our troops had 1 killed and 10 wounded, 
besides several others slightly touched with Indian bul- 
lets. The enemy this day fired 457 cannon shot. 

The next day commenced with a very brisk and fierce 
firing of bombs and cannon balls, and continued at in- 
tervals all day. They opened two batteries upon the 
fort, which tliey had established on this side of the river, 
within 250 yards of the rear right angle of the camp^ 
one of which was a bon\b battery. An Indian, who had 



THE LATE WAR. 99 

ascended a tree, shot one of our men through the head, 
and six were killed by the enemy's bombs. Tl.ey fired 
516 times during the day, and 47 times during the night. 

It rained very hard on the 4th which retarded the 
fire of the besiegers. A new battery was discovered 
erectinir on this side of the river, in the same direction 
with the others, and traverses were commenced to guard 
against them. Several were killed and wounded. 
Lieut. Gwyrin killed a British officer on this side the 
river with a rifle. 223 shots were fired this day. 

On the 5th the enemy kept up a feeble tire, but their 
bombs killed three of our men. Early in the day an 
officer arrived from Gen. Clay, with the welcome news, 
that a reinforcement of about 1200 Kentuckians under 
his command, were descending the river in 18 fiat bot- 
tomed boats, at a short distance ; whereupon General 
Harrison dispatched Capt. Hamilton with orders for 
Gen. Clay to detach about 800 men from his brigade, 
who were directed to land at a point v^n the left bank of 
the river, about a nvile and a half above the fort, and 
march from thence to the I^ritish batteries, " take pos- 
session of their cannon, spike them, cut down their, 
carriages and return to their boats." 

The order of descending the river in boats, was the 
same as the order of march in the line of battle, in solid 
column, each officer taking position according to his 
rank. Col. Dudley, the eldest colonel led the van. 
Gen. Clay ordered Col. Dudley to take the men in the 
twelve first boats and execute the orders of Gen. Harri- 
son. The detachment landed and stormed tlie British 
batteries with a trifling loss. They spiked the cannon 
and took several prisoners. The principal force of the 
enemy near the batteries were Indians. A skirmishing 



JOO IlIStOKV Of 

was coiivmeiicea and continued for a coHfiderable 
length of time, until the main body of the British who 
were encamped nearly a mile in the rear of the batteries 
come up and cut off the retreat of the detachment. A 
severe conflict ensued which, however, soon termi- 
nated in the capture of the greater part of the detach- 
ment. About 150 effected their escape to the river. 
The others were either killed wounded or taken. Col. 
Dudley was amorig the killed. In his last moments he 
displayed the most heroic firmness. Being severely 
wounded in tlie action in the leg and temple and faint 
with the lo&s of blood, he requested a soldier to give 
him a gun and to leave him. When the Indians came 
lip, he fired and killed one of them 5 they rushed upon 
him and with their tomahawks dispatched him in a most 
cruel manner, cutting off his legs and arms and hev, in* 
his body to pieces. 

The prisoners were conducted to the enclosure of 
t!ie old British fort and being but feebly guarded the 
Indians broke in upon them and tomahawked a number. 
It is said that two of the British soldiers were killed in 
atiempting to defend thev,i. It is certain that Tecumseh 
exerted himself in arresting the massacre and actually 
buried his tom.ahawk in the skull of a Cliippeway chief. 

After t]\Q retreat of the British from before Fort 
IMeigs, General Harrison caused the battle ground on 
the left bank of the Miami, to be carefully examined, 
and after a diligent search, only 45 bodies of Col. Dud- 
ley's men could be found, but these were horribly mu- 
tilated. 

Y/hiie Col. Dudley was storming the British batteries, 
Gen. Clay landed on the riglit bank, a little above the 
fort. Before he landed h<i received a warm lire from 



THE LATE WAR, 1©1 

the Indians who had collected for preventing his getting 
into the fort. After landing, his men could easily have 
made the forty but anxious to evince their bravery, they 
neglected to secure their sick and bagg;age and Vvcnt in 
pursuit of the Indians, who purposely retreated the 
better to lure our men to destruction. Gen. ITasrison 
perceiving their danger, directed Major Ball to sally 
^rom the fort for the purpose of stopping the pursuit 
and escorting them in ; he succeeded, but not till after 
the Indians had gained the boats, tomahawked the sick 
and plundered the baggage. 

The same day several successful sorties were rnadc 
against the enemy's works on the right bank below the 
fort. The sortie sn the left or on the margin of the river 
was led by Col. John Miller, of the 19th Infantry ; with 
a mixed force of volunteers and regulars, not exceeding 
S50 men, he overthrew twice his numbers of British and 
Indians. 

On the right the enemy had erected batteries v.iihia 
point blank shot of the fort. Immediately below the 
fort is a deep gully ; at the head of this, and at the 
distance of 400 yards were stationed 200 British req-u- 
lars and a host of Indians for tlie protection of the ar- 
tilleristsat theguns. A detachment from tlie garrison 
ascended the gwlly unperceived, until they were witli- 
in a feM'^ yards of the enemy, when they opened a de- 
structive tire, earned the batteries, dispersed the enemy 
and made 50 prisoners. 

From the 6th to the 9th, there was no firing. Flags 
of truce passed and repassed bet^veen the two armiea- 
An exchange of prisoners took ])ln,ce. The Kentucky 
militia taken on the Michio;an side of tlie river were 
sent by the enemy to Huron, in «r<ler to return home 
bv that route. I ^> 



102 HISTORY OF 

On the morning of the 9th, the enemy commencelf 
their march down the Miami, after having been before 
the place 14 days, during which they had discharged 
at the works 1800 shells and cannon balls, besides 
keeping up an almost incessant fire of small arms. 
The Indians were the first to leave the ground, being 
greatly dissatisfied from the severe loss they had sus- 
tained in the several actions on the 5th. They were 
far more numerous than their white allies.* 

The defence of Fort Meigs will rank in history a- 
niong the most brilliant achievements of the war, as 
well on account of the obstinacy of the defence, as the 
daring and successful execution of the different sorties. 

The situation of the garrison was sufficient to dampen 
the ardor and unman the energies of less determined 
men. Great quantities of rain fell during the siege. 
The soil w ithin the pickets being clay, the constant 
treading of men and horses reduced the whole area of 
the fort to the consistence of mortar, half leg deep; and 
the frequent bursting of shells caused the mud to fly in 
showers and in every direction, giving to the officers 
and men the appearance of an assemblage of brick- 
makers." 

* iil am unable to form a correct estimate of the en- 
emy's force. The prisoners varied much in their ac" 
counts ; those who made them least, stated the regulars 
at 560, and militia at 800 ; but the numbers of the In- 
dians were, beyond comparison, greater than have ever 
been brought into the field before ; numbers arrived 
after the siege commenced. I have caused their camps 
on the southeast side of the river to be particularly ex- 
amined, and the general opinion is, that there could not 
.have been fewer on that side than 1000 or 1200; they 
were indeed the eflicient force of the enemy." ^or- 
tractfrom Gen. Harrison' s official dlspatchf May 13. 



THE LATE WAR. 103 

Sleep Was almost a stranger to the camp. Every 
precaution was taken to prevent surprise. One third of 
the army was always oii guard — often the whole were 
at tlieir post. 

The vigilance, activity and constant exposure to dan- 
ger, of the commander in chief, had the best effect upon 
the spirit of the troops. 

Numerous feats of individual heroism were perform- 
ed. Gen. Harrison has already made known to the na- 
tion many of the brave men who distinguished them- 
selves.* 

* The following general orders will best give the 
names of the most conspicuous actors. 
GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head ^uarttrs, Fort Meigs^ 9th May^ 1813. 

The information received by tlie general, and the 
movements of the enemy indicating their having aban- 
doned the siege of this post, the general congratulates 
his troops on having completely foiled their foes, and 
put a stop to that career of victory which has hitherto 
attended their arms. He cannot find Vvords to express 
his sense of the good conduct of the troops of every de- 
scription and of every -corps, as well in sustaining and 
returning the heavy fire of the enemy, as for their as- 
siduity and patience in the performance of those la- 
borious duties which the occasion called for. Where 
merit was so general — indeed, almost universal — it ia 
difficult to discriminate. The general cannot, how- 
ever, omit to mention tlie names of those situa- 
tion gave them an opportunity of being more par- 
ticularly useful. From the long illness of Captain 
Gratiot, of the corps of engineers, the arduous and im- 
portant duties of fortifying the camp devolved on Capt. 
Wood, of that corps. In assigning him the first palm 
of merit, as far as it relates to the transactions within 
the works, the general is convinced that his decision 
will be awarded by every individual in the camp who 



104 HISTORY OF 

After the raising the siege of F(»rt Meig;?. tlie plan Gf 
the campaign was changed upon the recommendation of 
Gen. Harrison. Vessels were building at Erie and 
boats at Cleveland: until these were ready, it ^vas 
determined to act on the defensive. 

^vitnesscd his indefatigable exertion, his consunimafe 
skill in providing for the safety of every point, and in 
foiling every attempt of the enemy, and his undaunted 
brarerj^ in the performance of his duty in the most ex- 
posed situations. An unfortunate wound in the com- 
mencement of the siege deprived the general, after that 
time of the able services Maj. Stoddard, of the artillery, 
whose zeal and talents had been eminently useful. 
Capt. Gratiot, in the remissiov of a severe illness, took 
charge of a battery, and managed it with ability and ef- 
fect. Capt. Cushing, of the artillery, and Capt. Hall, 
of the irtli infantry, (but doing duty with the former 
corps) were extremely active and attentive to tlieir 
post. Col. Miller and Maj. Todd, of the 19th U. 
S. infantry ; Majors Ball, of the dragoons, Sodwick, 
and Maj. Ritzer, of the Ohio militia, and Maj. Johnson, 
of tlie Kentucky militia, rendered the most important 
services. To each of the above gentlemen, as well as 
ta each captain, subaltern, noncommissioned ofiicer and 
private of their respective commands, tlie general gives 
his thanks and expresses his v/armest approbation : also 
to Adjutant Brown, Mr. Peters, conductor of artillery, 
Mr. Lion, principal artificer, Mr. Timbeiiee, and to 
Sergeants Henderson, Tommes and Meldrum, who sev- 
erally had charge of batteries and block houses. Hie 
battery managed by Sergeant Henderson was, as the 
enemy confessed, managed with peculiar efficacy and 
effect with respect to the sorties which were made on 
t!ie 5th instant. The subsequent information which has 
been received from the prisoners, has given the troops 
which were engaged on tho^e occasions additional 
claims upon the gratitude of their general. It is ascer- 
tained that in both instances the enemy far outnumbered 
our troops. The geiieral gives his thanks to Brig. Gen. 



THE LATE WAli. 105 

On tUs 12th of May, Gen. Harrison having left Gen. 
Clay in command of Fort Meigs, repaired to the inte- 
rior of the state of Ohio, to push on the recruiting ser- 
vice and prepare for the ensuing campaign. 

Clay, for the promptitude with v/hich the detachrrtent 
of his brigade were landed, and the assiduity shown by 
him in forming them for the attack on the left. To 
Col. Boswell and Major Fleaclier, for their gallantry 
and good conduct in leading them in the charge made 
on the enemy, and to Capts. Dudley, Simons and Med- 
«alf, the subalterns, noncommissioned ©fficers and pii- 
vates, for the distin^islied yalor with which they de- 
feated the enemy. The general has in the order of the 
Cth inst. expressed his sense of the conduct of the reg- 
ular troops and volunteers, which v/ere en^;aged in tlie 
sorties on the left flank, but he omitted to mention • 
Capt. Scbry's company of Kentucky militia, whose gal- 
lantry was not surpassed by that of any coi^panies Viho 
fought by their side. The Pittsburgh Blucs^ led by Lt. 
M'Gxce, in the illness of their gallant captain, sustained 
the reputation which they had acquired at ^[assissinv/ey. 
The Petersburgh volunteers and Lieut. Drum''3 detach- 
ment, discovered equal intrepidity. To tlic detach- 
ments from the irth and 19th U. S, regiments, under 
their respective commanders, Capts. C'roghan- Bradford j 
Langham, Elliott, and Nerinp-, the honorable task waa 
assigned of storming the British batteries, defended bj 
two dundred British grenadiers and light infantry, 
flanked by an host of Indians and two companies of 
Canadian militia. Col. Miller speaks in the highest 
terms of the captains before mentioned, and Lieutenants 
'Campbell, Gwynn, Lee, Kercheval and Rees, and ot 
Ensigns Shep, Hawkins, Harrison, Mitchell and Stock- 
ton. The general requests Col. Miller, Maj. Todd, and 
eacli ot the officers above nam.ed, together witli all the 
onicers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers, who 
were engaged on the 5th inst. to accept his thanks. 
The general is under the highest obligations to his staff 
for their conduct, as woU iu the a€ti«a of the 5th as 



105 HISTORY OF 

111 June information was received that the enemy 
meditated an immediate attack on Fort Meigs. The 
24th regiment was then on its march to Sandusky ; the 
General being at Franklinton, followed the regiment, 
and overtaking it near the Seneca towns, selected 300 
of the most active men, and made a forced march to 
Fort Meigs. The black swamp was then in a state to 
render marching the most toilsome ; the mud was half 
leg deep, and so stift' that it required great exertion to 
disengage the foot from it. The Colonel, Anderson, 

for the assistance he received from them throughout the 
siege. Major Hukill, the acting inspector general, dis- 
tinguished himself by his assiduity in forwarding the 
part of our works which v/as most necessary and which 
was most exposed to the fire of the enemy. From 
Major Graham, his aid de camp— his volunteer aid de 
camp, J. Johnson, esq. and from Lieut. O'Fallon, acting 
assistant adjutant general, as well as from the deputy 
quarter master, Mr. Eubank, he received the greatest 
assistance. 

It rarely occurs that a general has ta complain of the 
excessive ardor of his men, yet such appears always to 
be the case whenever the Kentucky militia are engaged. 
It is indeed the source of all their misfortunes. They 
appear to think that their valor can alone accomplish a- 
ny thing. The general is led to make this remark from 
the conduct of capt. Dudley's company of the regi- 
ment, as he has understood that that gallant officer was 
obliged to turn his espontoon against his company to o- 
blige them to desist from a further pursuit of the ene- 
my, in compliance with an order from the geneial. 
Such temerity, altho' not so disgraceful, is scarcely less 
fatal than cowardice. And in the instance above, had 
it been persisted in, would have given a different result 
to the action, as the whole of the enemy's forces which 
.were placed near the batteries would have been precip- 
itated upon the rear of our detachment. The pursuit 



THK LATE AVAR. 107 

and tlie Lieut. Col. Gaines,* dismounted from their 
horses and alternately led the regiment. So great was 
the ardor of the officers and men, that notwithstanding 
this state of the road, they reached Fort Meigs early on 
the second evening of tlieir departure from Fort Ball, a 
distance of nearly fifty miles. 

At this period Col. Johnson arrived at tlie fort with 

being stopped, allowed time for a new disposition under 
cover of our cannon, and the enemy's batteries were at- 
tacked and carried without difficulty. 
- (A copy.) JOHN O'FALLON, 

Acting Ass. Adj. Gen. 

OFFICIAL. 

Return of the killed and wounded in the siege of Camp 
Meigs, and the several sorties of the 5th inst. 

Killed. Wounded, ^^gregate. 

U. 8. artillery, 10 1 

U. S. infantry, 39 90 129 

U. S. dragoons, 3 17 20 

Kentucky militia, SO 42 72 

Ohio militia, 3 . 8 11 

12 mo. volunteers, 2 29 31 

Detacliment of U. > f. „ ^ 
S. infantry, 5 



Total, 81 189 269 

REMARKS. 

IMajors Stoddard and Hukill — tlie former died of his 
wounds, t]ie latter slightly wounded. 

Sixty four of the above were killed in the sorties, and 
124 wounded: the balance, 81, killed and wounded 
within the fortified camp. J. O'FALLON, 

Acting assistant adjutant general. 

Note. — The above return does not include those 
killed OH the left bank, under Col. Dudley. 

* Since General. 



108 HISTOIIY OF 

his moiuited regiment by the route of the Aux Giaize 
river, and v/as sent to the river Raisin to obtain intelli- 
gence. Three Frenchmen were taken and brought to 
the fort, from whom it was understood that the enemy 
were making preparations for some enterprize ; but it 
was not known against what point it would be directed. 
The General supposed it most probable that the attack 
would be made upon Erie, Cleveland or Sandusky. 

The 300 men of the 24th regiment were left at Fort 
Meigs. On the SOth of June the General set out for 
Cleveland attended by an escort from Johnson's regi- 
ment, and directed the remainder to follow him. 

At lower Sandusky, he met with BalPs squadron, 
\vhich had been ordered from the interior of Ohio upon 
tlie first information of the expected invasion. The 
General believed that the enemy would attack Cleve- 
land rather than Fort Meigs, in order to destroy the 
boats building there, and possess themselves of a consid- 
erable magazine of ilour which had been collected there 
by the contractor. He therefore proceeded to that 
point to make arrangements for its defence. Major 
Jessup commanded at Cleveland, with one company of 
artillery and two of militia. Ball's squadron and a 
company of 12 month's regulars, were also ordered 
there. A small fort was erected, and the boat;? sunk or 
moved high up the Cayahoga. Johnson's regiment 
of mounted volunteers were placed at Huron, nearly 
mid way betv/cen Sandusky and Cleveland, that they 
might go to the assistance of either place as circum- 
stances should require. 

While these arrangements were making upon the 
shores of lake Erie, Generals IM'Arthur and Cass were 
actively ei^ployed in recruiting two regiments of 1.^ 



THE LATE WAR. 105^ 

months volunteers in the more populous parts of tlie 
state of Ohio. 

No enemy appearing at Cleveland, the head quarters 
of the General were tranferred to Seneca town on th© 
Sandusky. 

At this place tlie General held a council with a num- 
ber of Indian Chiefs, to whom he made three distinct 
propositions : 

1, To take up arms in behalf of the United States. 

2, To remove within our settlements and remain 
neutral, or 

5, To go to the enemy and place themselveis under 
their protection. 

Aftera short consultation they accepted the first, and 
prepared to accompany our troops in tlie invasion of 
Canada. Shortly afterwards they joined the army to 
the number of 200. But the Indians in the British in- 
terest continued to make inroads into the settlements 
and committed frequent murders. A party from Mai- 
den coasted down the lake as far as cold creek, where 
they killed, scalped and made prisoners one man, three 
women and nine children. 

An event took place, however, which had a salutary 
influence in repressing their audacity. Col. Ball with 
22 of his cavalry were descending the SaiiduslLy a few 
miles below Seneca town, when a band of 18 Indian 
warriors, who had placed themselves in ambush for ihe 
purpose of killing the mail carrier, fired upon ]>is party. 
CoL Ball instantly charged upon them and drove them 
from a copse, c f hazlenut bushes. The ground was favor- 
able for cavalry, and the Indians Snding neither mercy 
nor the possibility of escape, gave a whooj) and fought 
desperatciv ^^utll tlie whole of their party ?;'cre cut to- 

K 



1 10 inSTORY OF 

piece?. Col. Bali was at one time opposed in personal 
contest to an Indian of gigantic stature ; it v/as a doubt- 
ful and desperate struggle 5 life was at stake ; both ex- 
erted to the utmost, when a dexterous thrust of the 
sword terminated the contest in the death of the Indian. 
After this terrible example, not an Indian was seen on 
ihe east side of the Sandusky in quest of plunder and 
blood. 

The regiment of Col. Johnson, with the exception of 
100, whom Gen. Harrison dismounted, retired into the 
interior of Ohio, for the purpose of recruiting their 
horses. Col. Ball's squadron were also dismounted, 
to act as infantry. 

On the nrst of August Gen. Proctor made his appear- 
ance before fort Steplienson, 18 miles abova the mouth 
of the river Sandusky. His troops consisted of 500 
regulars and about TOO Indians of the most ferocious 
kind. There were but 138 elTectivc men in the garrison 
and tlie v/orks covered one acre of ground. Major 
George Croghan commanded the place. The { ickets 
were about ten feet high, surrounded by a ditch with a 
block house at each angle of the fort ; one of Vvhich 
contained a six pounder ; this was the exact state of 
the post, at the time the enemy appeared. The first 
movement made b}^ the enemy, was to make suclf a dis- 
position oi his forces, as to prevent the escape of tlie 
garrison, if they should be disposed to attempt it. lie 
then sent Col. Eiliot with a flag, to demand tlie surren- 
der of the fort. He v^aj met by ensign Shipp. Tlie 
British ofliscr observed, that Gen. Procter had a ni;ni- 
ber of cannon, a large body of regular troops, and no 
many Indians whom it was impossible to control, and if 
the fort was takeiip as it raugt be. tlie whoie of the garri- 



THE LATE WAR. Ill 

son would be massacred. Shipp answered, that it was 
the determination of Major Croghan, his officers and 
men, to defend the garrison or be buried in it, and that 
iney might do their begt. Col. Elliot addressed 3Ir, 
Shipp again ; " You are a fine voung man ; I pitj your 
situation ; for God's sake surrender, and prevent the 
dreadful slaughter which must follow resistance.*' 
Shipp turned from him with indignation, and was imme- 
diately taken hold of by an Indian, who attempted to 
WTest his sv/ord from him. Major Croghan observiiig 
what passed, called to Sliipp to come into the fort, which 
was instantly obeyed and the tragedy commenced. The 
firing began from the gun boats in the river, and was 
kept np during the night. At an early hour the next 
morning, three sixes, which had been planted during 
the night within 250 yards of tlie pickets, begaa to play 
upon the fort, but with little eftect. About 4 P. M. ail 
the enemy's guns were concentrated c, gainst the ncrth 
western angle of the fort, for the purpose of makiiig a 
breach. To counteract the effect of their fire, Col. 
Croghan caused that point to be strengtliened by means 
of bags of flour, sand and other materials, in such a 
manner that the picketing sustained little or no injury. 
But tlie enemy supposing that their fire had sufficiently 
fihattered the pickets, advanced to the num])er of 500, 
to storm the place, at the same time making two feints 
en different points. The column which advanced 
against the north western angle, were so completely en- 
reloped in smoke, as not to be discovered until it had 
approached within 18 or 20 paces of the supposed 
breach, but the men being all at their posts, and ready 
to receive it, commenced so heavy and galling a fire as 
to throw the column into confusion, but being quickly 



n£ HISTORY OF 

rallied, Lieut. Col. Short, the leader of the column ex- 
ftlaiirsed, " come on my brave fellows, we will give the 
ilamn'd jankee rascals no quarters," and immediately 
leapt into the ditch, followed by his troops : as soon as 
tiie ditch was entirely filled by the assailants, Major 
Crogban ordered the six pounder, which had been mask- 
ed in the block house, to be fired. It had been loaded 
.Y ith a double charge of musket balls and slugs. This 
piece completely raked the ditch from end to end. The 
first fire levelled the one half in death 5 the second and 
third either killed or wounded every one except eleven, 
v/ho were covered by the dead bodies. At the same 
time, the fire of tlie small arms was so incessant and 
destructivejthat it w^as in vain the British officers exerted 
iliemselves to lead on the balance of the column ; it 
retired in disorder under a shower of shot, and sought 
safety in an adjoining wood. The loss of the British in 
killed was about 150, besides a number of their allies 
were killed. The Americans had but one killed and 
seven slightly wounded. Early on the morning of the. 
5d, the enemy retreated, down the river, after having 
abandoned considerable baggage, and a gun boat laden 
with cannon ball. 

The retreat of Proctor was precipitate. It is difficult 
to account for his leaving a gun boat in the possession of 
the* victors, as it was not exposed to the fire of the fort. 

Just as the enemy were surrounding the fort two 
Americaas were approaching from the east, on the oppo- 
site side of the river. One of them was shot down ; 
/jie other attempted to escape, but was pursued and 
made prisoner. He was taken before Gen. Proctor and 
interrogated respecting the number of the troops in the 
fyrt. lie repliedj that j.t did vM exceed 1 5Q rn^a. Af- 



THE LATE WAK. 113 

ter the defeat of the enfmj, he was aj^ain i-e.manded 
before the British General, wlto charged him with wilful 
deception, and declared that there was more tiian 
2000 men in garrison at the time of the attack : v/;iQrer 
upon the prisoner was given up to the Indians to be 
disposed of in their own way; and the fact, the dam- 
ning fact, that this unfortunate man fell a martyr to 
truth and a victim to the flames, rests on the concurrent 
testimony of several deserters, and tlie circumstance 
that the horrible ceremonial of burning prisonQ?s was 
twice celebrated shortly after the repube of tlie enemy 
at Fort Stephenson. 

The American garrison was composed of regulars, 
recruited in Ohio and Kentucky, or as John Randolph 
would say, " picked up at Gin shops." Yet a finer set ot 
men is not to be found in the service ; they are as con- 
spicuous for humanity, as for courage. This is proved 
by their unceasing attention to the vtrounded enemy 
after their discomiiture. During the night they kindly 
received into tlie fort all those that were able to crawi 
to the fatal port hole. To those who were unable to 
move, they thrcr canteens of v/ater and blankets. The 
day after the action, they even parted with, a great part 
of tlieir necessary clothing to alleviate the sufterlags 
of the wounded enemy. 

The onlv Ame^rican killed in the fort was a bov 14 
rears of ago. He raised his arm above the pickets in 
defiance of the enemy ; a cannon ball struck it and 
tore it from his body, and the poor fellow survived but 
a few moments. 

A soldier was at the same time wounded : unable ta 
stand, he desired a Lieutenant t<< reach liim a gun, that 
he might tire on the enemy, 

K P- 



114 HISTORY OF 

The sick caught the spirit of their comrades, and 
crawled to the pickets where they loaded the supernu- 
merarj pieces for the others to fire. 

There are several officers, who equally with Major 
Croghaii deserve great credit for the part they took in 
the defence of the fort. When they were asked hy the 
Major, if they were >nlling to defend the fort ; they 
unanimously answered " yes, we w ill perish sooner than 
surrender." The names of the most conspicuous are 
Capt. J. Hunter, Lieut. Benjamin Johnson, cousin to 
Col. R. M. Johnson, and Ensign Shipp. The zeal and 
industry of these officers cannot be surpassed. 

The ditch into which the enemy rushed, and which 
was raked by the six pounder, exhibited after the action 
a frightful spectacle. The blood literally stood in 
puddles at the bottom ; in some places several inches 
deep. 

The front side of the block house against which the 
British and Indians directed their principal fire, was 
covered with bullet holes. In the gable end alone, the 
writer of this volume counted upwards of 150 impres- 
sions of cannon and musket shot. 

While Proctor and Dixon invested Fort Stephenson, 
Tecumseh with about two thousand Indian warriors 
approached fort Meigs. They hovered around the place 
for several daj^s attempted to playoff a russe de guerre 
upon the garrison. They commenced a sham fight in 
the woods, about half a mile from the fort, in the direc- 
tion of Lower Sandusky : the fire was kept up with 
great vivacity for some time ; at intervals one party 
would appear to slacken fire and retreat. This was done 
to induce our men to believe that a reinforcement from 
Sa-iidusky was endeavoring to fight its way into the fort. 



THE LATE WAR. 115 

The troops in the garrison could scarcely be persuaded 
feut that there was a real battle, and were anxious to 
Sally out to assist their supposed friends. But Gen. 
Clay was not to be decieved by strategcm. The Indians 
finding that their finesse did not succeed, raised the 
blockade and repaired to Maiden. 

When the news of the approach of Proctor to Fort 
Stephenson and of Tesumseh to fort Meigs, reached 
Gov. Meigs, he made a most spirited appeal to the 
patriotic people of Ohio. Such was its effect that 15,000 
volunteers were immediately in motion to repel the 
invaders. Fortunately their services were not required. 

The tide of victory began now to set with a strong 
current in favor of the American arms. On the 10th 
September, Commodore Perry captured the whole 
British force on Lake Erie. This victory removed the 
principal barrier to the conquest of Maiden and the re- 
covery of the Michigan Territory, and was the signal 
for active offensive operations. 

Immediately all was bustle and preparation. The 
General began to concentrate his forces at the mouth 
of Portage river. Gov. Sclby was on his march to join 
him with 4000 volunteers from Kentucky. General 
M'Arthur had arrived at Fort Meigs. Gen. Cass had 
also reached Upper Sandusky. Col. Hill with a regiment 
of Pennsylvania volunteers was advancing from Erie. 
In short about 7000 men were in motion for the long 
delayed invasion of Canada. The greatest activity 
was visible in camp. Boats were collected ; beef jerk- 
ed 5 bread baked, and the superfluous baggage secured 

in block houses. 

On the 17th September, Gov. Selby at the head of 
4000 volunteers from KentucVy arrived at the mouth of 



115 HISTORY OF 

Portage. This formidable corps were all mounted ; but 
it was deemed best for them to act as infantry. In or- 
der to secure their horses against escape, it was only 
necessary to build a substantial log fence from Sandusky 
Bay to Portage river, about two miles distantTrom ea( Ii 
other ; this done, the horses v/eic provided vvilh a lux- 
urient natural pasture of nearly 100,000 acres. The 
number of horses left on the Peninsula, during tlie ab- 
sence of the army in Canada, was upwards of 5000, for 
the most part, of the first size and condition I 

On the 20th, General M' Arthur's brigade, from fort 
Meigs, joined the main body at Portage, after a fati- 
guing march of three days down tlie lake coast, and 
through a part of the immense prairie that skirts the 
southern shore of lake Erie from Portage river to within 
a few miles of Brownstown. In this toilsome march, 
Van guides often lost the point of direction as they were 
struggling with the thick and lofty grass that impeded 
their progress. Frequently it became necessary, to 
hoist a soldier until his feet rested upon the shoulders 
of another, before he could get a view above the top of 
the grass to ascertain their course. 

Col. Johnson's regiment remained at Fort Meigs, but 
had orders to approach Detroit by land. 

Such of Col. Hill's Pennsylvania detached militia as 
chose not to cross into Canada, were ordered to guard 
the British prisoners, taken by Com. Perry, to Chili- 
cothe. The diiferent posts on the American side of 
the lake were left in charge of the Ohio militia. Fort 
Meigs was reduced in its picketing from 8 acres to 1. 
About 500 Kentucky volunteers remained on the Penin- 
sula to guard the horses and stores. 

Every thing being now ready, the embarkation of the 
ti oops coimnt'nced at the dawn of day, oa the 21st. 



THE LATE WAR. 11 7" 

For the want of a sufficient number of boats not more 
than one third of the army could embark at once. 

There is a range of islands extending from the head 
of the Peninsula, to Maiden. These islands render the 
navigation safe, and aBbrded the army convenient de- 
pots for baggage and stores, as well as halting places. 

Put-in-bay island, sixteen miles from Portage, was 
selected by the general as the iirst point of rendezvous 5 
the first stage in his passage across the lake. Tht 
weatber v/as farorable. As soon as the first division of 
boats reached the island, men were immediately detach- 
ed to take back the boats for a fresh load. Such was 
the eagerness of the men to accelerate the embarkation 
of the whole army, that tliey in most case?, anticipated 
this regulation by volunteering their services to return 
with the boats. Every one courted fatigue. 

The Seetof commodore Perry, was busily eng??ged ia 
transporting the baggage of the ariiiy. In the course of 
tlie 52d, the v/hole army had gained t-ie island, and en- 
camped on the margin of the bay, which forms nearly a 
semi circle. 

The Lawrence and the six prize ships, captured from 
the enemy, were at anclior in the center of the bay, and 
in full view. With what delight did the troops contem- 
plate this interesting spectacle 1 The curiosity of the 
troops was amply indulged 5 every one was permitted 
to go on board the prizes to view the effect of the battle. 
The men were highly pleased ^^ith this indulgence of 
the General and the Commodore. The scene was cal- 
culated to inflame their military ardor which v/as visible 
in every countenance. 

Tlie army was detained in Put-in-bay during the 2od 
and 9Ath by imfuvorable winds. On the S4th, a soldier 



118 HISTORY OF 

of the regular forces was shot for desertion. He had 
deserted three times ; had been twice before condemned 
to suffer death, and as often pardoned ; he met his fate 
with stoical indiifercnce, but it made a very sensible 
impression on the troops. Two platoons fired on him 
at the distance of five paces, and perforated his body 
like a, sieve.* 

On the 25th the army again embarked partly in boats 
and partly on board the fleet, to take a nearer position 
to the Canadian shore. The flotilla arrived a little be- 
fore sunset, at a small island called the Eastern Sister, 
18 miles from Maiden and 7 from the coast. This 
island does not contain more than three acres, and the 
men had scarcely room to sit down. 

On the 26th the wind blew fresh, it became necessary 
to haul up tiie boats, to prevent their staving. The 
General and Ccinmodore in the Ariel, made a recon- 
lioissance of the enemy's coast and approached v/ithin 
a bhort distance of Maiden. Capt. Johnnexj v/as dis- 
patiphed to apprize Col. Johnson of our progress. Gen. 
Cass, Col. Ball and Capt. M'Clelland w|&re busy in 
arranging and numbering tlie boats. At si^nset the lake 
had risen several feet; indeed, such was the violence of 
the surf that many entertained serious fears that the 
greater part of the island would be inundated before. 

* It is worthy of remark that but two soldiers were 
«hot in the north western army ; and so unfrequent was 
desertion, that from the time I joined it, till its depar- 
ture from fort George, not a solitary instance occuned ; 
at least none came to my knowledge, although I made 
frequent enquiries as to the fact, i am not willing to 
attribute this fidelity to the public service, to the supe- 
rior patriotism of the people of tlie west, or a nicer 
sense of the force of moral obligations. The cause is ev- 
ident I the officers are generally attentive t© tlieir men. 



THE LATE WAIl. 119 

morning. However, the wind subsided at twelve and 
relieved our apprehensions. 

On the 27th, at nine in the morning the army made 
its linal embarkation. The day was fine, and a propi- 
tious breeze made our passage a pleasing pastime. It 
was a sublime and delightful spectacle to behold 16 ships 
of war and 100 boats filled with men, borne rapidly 
and majestically to the long sought shores of the ene- 
my. The recollection of this day can never be effaced 
from my memory. There wtvS something truly grand 
and animating in the looks of the men. There was an 
air of confidence in every countenance. The troops 
panted for an opportunity to rival their naval brethrea 
in feats of courage and skill, they seemed to envy the 
good fortune of oar brave tars. They were ignorant of 
the flight of the enemy, and confidently expected a 
fight ; indeed the belief was current among the troops 
that the enemy were in great force ; for it was believed 
that Dixon's Indians as well as Tecumseh's were at 
Maiden, 

We landed in perfect order of battle a,t 4 P. M. 3 
miles below Maiden. The Kentucky volunteers formed 
the right wing. Bail's legion and the friendly Indians 
the center ; the regulars on the left. The troops were 
almost instantly in line and shortly commenced their 
march, eii echdlons for Maiden. The troops had bezn 
drilled to marcjiing in and out of the boats and to forin^ 
ing on the beach. Every man knev/ his place ; and so 
well were they masters of tliis very necessary piece of 
service, that a company would march into a boat, de* 
bark and form on the beach in less than one minute, 
and that too without the least cordusion. 

As we approached Maiden, instead of tJie redcoats 
and vrar whoop of the Indian?, a group of well dressed 



i^O IIISTORY OF 

ladies advanced to meet us, and to implore mtrcy 
and protection. They were met by Governor Shelby 
and Col. Ball who soon quieted their fears by assuring 
them that we came not to make war upon women and 
children but to protect them. 

The army entered Maiden by several parallel streets 
and we marched through the town to the thunder of 
" Yankee Boodle.''^ 

The ruins of the fort and the naval buildings were 
still smoking. All the loyal inhabitants followed the 
British army in its retreat. The fort is surrounded by 
a deep ditch and two rows of heavy pickets : What 
cannon and sniall arms they v/ere unable to carry away 
were sunk in the river. The enemy in their haste had 
left an 18 pounder intiiis battery. 

Three miles above the fort is an Indian village which 
we found deserted, and so suddenly, that many essential 
articles of Indian furniture, such as brass kettles, were 
left in the houses. Here we procured a plentiful supply 
of green corn, potatoes, &c. This village was not burn t« 

In the evening after our arrival at Maiden, Col. Ball 
dispatched an ofilcer and twenty men to prevent the 
enemy's destroying the bridge across the Aux Connards. 
The enemy were found on the b>'jdge, having just set 
fire to it. Our party fired on tliem 5 they dispersed and 
the bridge was saved. 

On the £8tb. we passed the Aux Connards, and en- 
camped tvv'O miles beyond the river, in a neat French 
settlemejit. A small party of British horse shewed 
tiiemrelves at the bridge and then scam.pered oft\ 

The next day we reached Sandwich at 2 o'clock in 
tlie afternoon.* At the same time time the fleet came 

* Tv/o miles below^ Sandwich, one of Governor Sliel- 
bj's voiunleGib in the rlaak guard di-jcovcJted au Indian 



THE LATR WAR. in 

up tlic riyer to Detroit, The General mailc diBno:;itions 
for passing the river. Governor Sheiby^s corps remain- 
ed at Sandwich, while Bail's Icr^ion and the brigade of 
Gen. M'Arthiir passed over to Detroit. 

The Indians appeared in groiipes. on the bank of tiia 
river below Detroit ; a few shots from the gu*! boats 
caused tliern to disperse. 

The Indians did not leave Detroit till Vac. boats con- 
taining the troops were halfway acrosB the river. Just 
before we landed on the American side, the inhaljitants 
hoisted the United States' (lag amid the acclamations of 
thousands. The army were received by the inhabi^AntJ 
with demonstrations of unfei<2;ued loy. They bad suf- 
fered all that civilized a.nd savage tyranny could inf.ict, 
save death. The Indians had lived at free €[uartersfor 
several months. It was therefore natural for thcni to 
hail us as deliverers. 

The enemy had set fire to the buildings within the 
foi t, but the walls and picketing remained entire. The 
public store, a long brick building near the wharf waj 
injured only in the roof, which our men soon repaired. 
In the course of the night there was an alarm in camp, 
the fires were extinguished, and the men ordered to lie 
on their arms. 

at the distance of 200 yards, in Vhq act of levclliiig his 
lifle at our men ; he instantly left the ranks, mac€ for 
the Indian and received his tire 5 the Indian retreated. 
but was closely pursued by the volunteer, who cioou 
gained on his foQ ; he firea and brought him to the 
«;roimd ; but the Iju-irji had previouhiiy reloaded hh 
piece, and in his turn fired on the volunteer, v/iio receiv- 
ed the contents iu his leg ; he v,ab at this time half a 
mile from his comritdes ; but did not retreat till he had 
dispatched tiie wounded Indian and secured hi3 i,cal , 
whicHhe bore in tiinaiph t? his c&fnpany. 

h 



122 HISTORY OF 

On the SOth Col. Jolinson's regiment arrived from 
Fort Meigs : they iinmediiitely corniiicnced tiie passage 
of the river in boats ;* Gen. M' Arthur ^vith the greater 
part of the regular troops was charged with the defence 
of Detroit. It was the general opinion of the inhabi* 
iants that there were 1000 Indian warriors, under Mar- 
pot and Split liOg, lurking in the woods between the 
river Rouge and Huron of Lake St. Clair. The friend- 
ly Indians took several prisoners in the immediate 
\icinity of Detroit, in less than two hours after we 
landed. 

On tiie PA of October every arrangement was com- 
pleted for pursuing the retreating British army up t\m 
Thames, The force selected for this service, were the 
mounted regiuientof Col. Johnson, three companies of 
Col. BclTs legion and the principal part of Gov. Shelby'B 
volunteers. 

From Sandwich to the Moravian towns is 84 miles. 
We found tlie roads for the most part good. The coun- 
try is perfectly level. The advance of tlie troops was 
rapid ; so much so, that we reached the river Iliscum, 
St5 mile-i from Sandwich, in tlie evening. The enemy 
had neglected to destroy the bridge. Early in the morn^ 

* The entrance of the mounted regiment into Detroit, 
presented a fnie military spectacle. At 2 F. M. the 
advance of tlie column began to emerge from Belle 
Fontaine, and were visible at the distance of 2 miles 
from the town. Tlie width and shcrtness of the road 
gave the military and citizens a full view of its approach. 
Both sides of the street for a considerable distance, 
were lined v/ith spectators. Suddenly our ears caught 
the thunder of 1100 horse in full motion. The whole- 
regiment was rapidly approaching ; and in :i momei.;t, 
it was in tiie midst of us upon full speed and in admirui-^ 
ble order. 



THE LATE WAR. 123 

T 

ing of the Stl, the General proceeded with Johnson's 
regiment, to prevent the destruction of the bridges over 
the different streams that fall into Lake St. Clair anil 
the Tliames, These streams are deep and muddy and 
arc unfordable for a considerable distance into the 
countiy. A Lieutenant of dragoons and 13 privates, 
who had been sent back by Gen. Proctor, to destroy (lie 
bridges, v/ere made prisoners near the mouih of the 
Thames ; from whom the General learnt that the enemy 
had no certain information of our advance. 

The baggage of the army was brouglit from Detroit 
in boats, protected by a part of commodore Perry's 
squadron. In the evening i:iie army arrived at Brake's 
farm, eight miles from the mouth of the Thames and 
encamped. This river is a fine deep sts*eam, navigable 
for vessels oi considerable burthen, after the passage 
of the bar at its mouth, over which thtre is generally 
seven feet water. Tlie gun boats cofJid ascend a« far 
as Dalson's, below which the country ia one continued 
prairie, and at once favorable for cavalry movements 
and for the co-operatloa of the gnu boats. Above Dal- 
son''s the aspect of the coub t.y changes ; the j Ivr-r, 
thougii still deep, is not mere thaa 70 yard*; v,'id<'., and 
its banks hi«;h and w'oodv. 

At Chathairi, 4 miles from Da,Ucn's and IG from lake 
St. Clair, is a small deep creek, where v/e found \!.o 
bridge taken up and the ene^uiy disposed to dispute oiir 
passage, and upon the arrivrd of tht advanced guard, 
commenced a heavy lire from the oppo.site bank as v/ell 
as a flank fire frora the right bank of the river. The 
army halted and icrrned in order of battle. I'he bridge 
was repaired under the cover of a fire from two six 
pounders. The I]idian8 did not relish the fire of our 
c&ixD©n and retired. Col. .Fohnsori being on the right, 



X24 HISTORY OF 

lad seized the remains of a bridge at McGregor's mill?:^, 
under aheavj fire froni tlie Indians. He lost on this 
occasion, 52 killed and 4 wounded. The enemy set fire 
to a house near tlic bridge containing a considerable 
quantity of muKket^ 5 the frames were extinguished and 
the aims saved. At the first farm alcove the bridge we 
found o:ne of tlic enemy's vessels on fire, loaded with 
arms and ordnance stores. Four miles higher np, the 
a-my took a position for iae night ; here we found two 
other vessels and a large distillery filled with ordnance 
and other stores to an inimensc amount, in fiame?. Two 
:21 pounders with their carriages, v.crc taken, and a 
liirge quantity of ball and shells of various sizes. 

The army v^ as put in motion early on the morning of 
the 5;h. The General accompanied Col. Johnson ; 
Gov. Shelby followed v/ith the infantry. This morning 
T.cre captured 2 gun boat^i and several batteaux loaded 
with provisions and amTniinition. At 9 \vq had reached 
Armld'p mills, where there is a fording place, and the 
vnly one for a considerable distance. Here tlie army 
fc roEsed to the right bank ; the mounted regiment fording^ 
und the iafantry in the captured boats. The passage 
though retarded for want cf u sufficient number cf buats^ 
was completed by twelve. 

Eight miles above the ford, we passed i\\e ground 
where the British force had encamped the night be- 
fore. The general directed the advance of Col. John- 
son's regiment to accelerate their march, for tl-e purpose 
of as?certaininii: the distance of the enemy. The officer 
comisianding it^ vshortly after sent word back that his 
progress v/as stopped by the enemy, v/ho were formed 
across his line of march. One cf the enemy's vraggon- 
eis wa3 taken prisoner, from wlj-orn the General obtuiu- 
ed much iife-ifrjl iisformation. 



THE LATE WAR. 125 



Battle of the Moravian Town, 



T 



HE arrnj v/as now within 3 miles of tlie Mora- 
vian touii and within one of the enemy. The road 
passes througli an open beach and maple forest, general- 
ly, within a few rods of the river. The enemy had 
made choice of a judicious position 2 miles below taci 
Moravian village. Two narrow but deep morasses run 
paralel v/ith the river for a considerable extent. The 
first, at the distance of 500 yards, the second, about a. 
quarter of a mile. The British, interspersed with a 
few Indians, occupied the ground, in two lines, 40 paces 
apart, from the river to the first swamp. Six brass and 
two iron carriage guns were planted in different parts 
of this short line. The Indian line of battle commenc- 
ed at the first swamp, and run to the second, extending 
down its margin about a quarter of a mile, forming an 
imperfect hollow square. The Indian force disposed in 
this order amounted to from 12 to 1500 warriors, under 
the command of Tecumseh, Walk-in -the -water and 
other daring chiefs. The British regulars and Indians 
in the first line amounted to about 700. Such was the 
position, the order of battle, and the numbers of tlte 
enemy. A deep river on the left, an almost impenetra- 
ble swamp on the right. 

The troops at the disposal of Gen. Harrison might 
amount to SOOO men 5 yet from the natural strength of 
the enemy's position and tlie peculiar nature of the 
ground, not the half cf this force could display to ad- 
vantage. To turn the enemy in flank wasimpracticableo 
There was therefore no altcriialive,but to attack in 

L2 



126 HISTORY air 

front, and tliat without cannon. To advance to tke 
combat on foot in regular order, was to render a serious 
los^ of lives certain, and success doulitful. 

The decisive mind of Harrison did not permit him to 
hesitate. A plan of attack, at once bold and original 
was instantly conceived ; which was to overvvlielm the 
enemy viith consternation, and paralizc his energieSj. 
by an unexpected and in^sistible shock. 

For this purpose the mounted regiment, which from 
the active nature of the service it had previously per- 
formed, might be termed the veterans of the army, was 
drawn up in close column in advance, with orders to 
charge and break through the British line. Col. John- 
son, had, however, a discretion either to attack the 
British with his whole force, or with one battalion, re- 
serving the other for t]\e attack of the Indian line. 

The Kentucky volunteers, under Maj. Gen. Henry, 
formed close in the rear of Johnson's regiment, in three 
lines extending from the river to the first sm amp. Gen. 
Desha's division covered the rear of the left battalion of 
Johnson's reijiraent. In fne reai' of Henry's division 
Col. Simral was placed v/ith a reserve of 500 Ken- 
tucky volunteers. Gov. Shelby was at the crotchet 
formed by the intersection of Generals Heniy and 
Desha's divisions. Gen. Cass and Com. Perry volun- 
teered as aids to Gen. Harrison, who placed himself at 
the head of the front line of infantry to direct the move- 
ments of the mounted men and to give them the neces- 
sary support. Such was the general order of battle. 
Kow for the disposition of the mounted regiment. 

Col. Johnson perceiving that there was not sufficient 
room, for his whole regiment, increased by fresh vohin- 
teerg to liOOruenj to act advautageously aga'nst the 



THE L.\TE WAR. i^r 

liritisii line only, determined to make a simultaneous 
charge upon the red and white enemy. Accordingly, 
he divided the regiment equally ; gave the command of 
the first battalion and the honor of cli.irgirg the British 
line to his brother, Lieut. Col. James Johnson ; leading 
the other battalion in person against tlie Indians. The 
advance guard of the regiment, consisting of 150 mea 
under Major Suggett were dismounted and placed in a 
lijie parallel with the enemy, in front of the first bat- 
talion. This line had tlie double advantarxe of distract- 
ing tlie attention of tlie enemy, and of keeping up a 
fire and maintaining the ground if the horses should re- 
coil at the British fire, (which was the case.) The line 
was weak, but was suppoited by four charging columns 
of double files v.itli intervals of not more tl^an 60 paces. 

Col. Johjison also dismounted 120 men under Capt. 
Strieker and extended them from the first to the second 
swamp parallel with i^ae Indian line and in front of the 
2d battalion, which he formed in two charging columns, 
with an interval of 400 yards ; Col. Johnson led the 
light column in person : Maj. Thomson the left. 

The dispositions for the attack -were completed. The 
American army had arrived within a short distance of 
the enemy. It was now 4 o'clock in the afternoon : both 
armies were ready for the work of death. An awful 
silence succeeds. Sonn,hov.ever, it is broken by i\ie 
sound of the reoi vientaltruracet.the si^-nal for the com- 
mencement of tlic action. 

In an instant llOOhorse ar© in motion, at full speed 5 
afire of trenienduous sc2n:/Z, at Icatt, from tlic British 
line checked for a moment the progress of the first bat- 
talion, but its gallant leader soon gives it an increased 
and irresistible momoatum. The last fire of the ene- 



UB HISTORY OF 

Kiy, although delivered at pistol shot distance, had uo 
other effect than to confirm the victory. The charging 
columns broke through the British ranks, wheeled and 
formed in their rear. Never was terror more strongly 
depicted on the countenances of men ; with their pieces 
unloaded, their bayonets unfixed, broken, huddled in 
confusion or trampled under the horses feet, and sur- 
rounded beyond the possibility of escape, officers and 
men were seen throwing down their arms, and with up- 
lifted hands, exclaiming " quarters,''^ 

So unexpected was the shock, that they were totally 
unprepared to meet it ; the whole was the work of a 
minute. Their artillery which from its number and 
position ought to have been an efficient defence, was 
perfectly harmless to the assailants. 

There was something terrible in the sudden appear- 
ance of several hundred liorsemcn, clad in a motly garb, 
screaming like a band of furies, and approaching at full 
gallop through the woods ! Besides an opinion prevail- 
ed among the British troops, that the Kentuckians, vin- 
dictive of the massacres of the rivers Raisin and Miami, 
were resolved on giving no quarters. It is therefore, 
not surprizing that terror and despair paralized their ex- 
ertions. Six hundred British regulars were the fruits 
of this charge. 

On the left between tlie two swamps, the contest was 
more serious. Col. Johnson most gallantly led the 
head of his column into the hottest of the enemy's fire 
and was personally opposed to Tecumseh. At this point 
a condensed mass of savas-es had collected. Yet re- 
gardless of danger he rushed into the midst of them ; 
and as he broke through their line, so thick were the 
Indians that several might have reached him with tlieir 



THE LATE WAR. 1S9 

I'ifles. He rode a white horse and was known to he an 
officer of distinction. Ashovrer of bails was discharg- 
ed at him; some took effect ; his liorse, his saddle, his 
clothes, his person were pierced with ballets. His men 
as they advanced to his supports ere successively killed 
■wounded or dismounted. The combattants were now 
closed upon the whole line and a desperate conflict 
ensued. Many of the Indians disdained a shelter and 
fought openly ; others lay concealed behind logs, trees 
or bushes. More prudent than their white allies, tiiey 
reserved their fire until our men were v^ ithin 10 or 15 
yards of them. Col. Johnson, after receiving 4 wounds, 
perceived the daring Tecumseh commanding and at- 
tempting to rally his savage force, when he instantly put 
his horse towards him and was shot by Tecumseh in the 
hand as he approached him. Tecumseh a.dvanced witk 
a drawn weapon, a sword or tomahawk, at which instant 
the Colonel having reserved his fire, shot his ferocious 
antagonist dead at his feet, and that too, at the moment 
ke was almost fainting v.ith the loss of blood and the 
anguish of 5 wounds. Yet he afterwards rode his bleed- 
ing horse several rods to the rear of the line, where he 
was helped from his horee, wliich immediately died. 

The death of Tecumseh, was to the Indians an irre- 
parable loss. They immediately gave vvay ; but con- 
tinued obstinately to dispute the ground for a coneide- 
rable distance. Frequeatly the same tree would be oc- 
cupied by the parties, but on opposite sides. The 
battle lasted about one hour and a half, not at one point, 
but from its commencement, where Tecumseh fell to 
the extreme left, where the Indians attempted to flank 
Major Thomson's line, but was prevented by the timely 
reinforcement from the reserve under Col. Simial, 
whoss fire soon became too warm for t'ae enemy. 



ISO HISTORY OP 

Of the mounted regiment 25 were killed or mortally 
wounded. About 50 were besides wounded, most of 
them slightly. 

Of Governor Shelby's corps two were killed and six 
or seven wounded. About fifty horses were killed or 
disabled. 

Having considerable personal knowledge of the of- 
ficers and men composing the mounted regiment the 
writer cannot dismiss the subject without giving the 
reader some additional particulars of the character and 
services of this distinguished corps. 

It was raised in Kentucky in the spring of 1813. It 
was soon filled, although the busy season of the year 
was unfavorable for obtainin<j volunteers. It entered 
the service abodt 800 strong, but was increased to 1300 
from arrangements proper on such occas-ions. On the 
5th of October, it amounted to 1000 men in round num- 
bers 5 a part having been before dismounted by order of 
Gen. Harrison. 

Its first service v/as an expedition to the banks of the 
St. Joseph of lake Michigan. This excursion covered 
the Ohio frontier, and prevented a large party of British 
Indians collected at Chicago from marching to besiege 
Fort Wayne. The inhabitants of the Ohio frontier 
felt perfectly secure when this regiment v» as protecting 
them. 

The greater part of the officers and privates were 
pious men, and when off duty, were often heard sing- 
ing religious air?, or engaged in serious and instructive 
discourse. Indeed it resembled in this respect a reli- 
gious congregation. 

Discipline and obedience v/as cheerfully observed. 
There was not an instance of desertioi), and only two 



THE LATE WAR. 131 

died of 5^iekRess till after the battle of the Moravian 
town. 

It is almost siiperfluous to speak ol the courage of 
this corps, since it is now so Avell known. Yet there 
are some who deserve particular notice. 

T-ict us first speak of the gallant dead. Col. William 
Whitley a man of TO j ears of age, a soldier of the rev-, 
olution, and possessing an ardent patriotism, had fought 
the Indians in twentj battles and skirmishes, without 
injury. Having a particular esteem for Col. Johnson, 
he volunteered as a private in Capt. Davidson's compa-; 
Jij, aliiiough in easy circiimstanccs. His love of coun-. 
try was an example to all around iiim, and would make 
common individuals ashamed at not bcina: able to feel 
as he foJt. Wlieu speaking of tlie war, and his coun- 
try's rights, he would say, « if 1 am killed the enemy 
will only deprive me of a few days." Col. J. had se- 
lected from 15 to 20 indi^iduals to assist him in break- 
ing the Indian line. The command of this forlorn 
hope \/as given to CoL Whitely. This select company 
were placed inmiediately in the rear of Col, Johnson 
and a few paces in advance of the charaino- column. 
A moment before the action commenced, Col. Johnson 
turned to Col. Whitley and observed : " Your presence 
animates me, it will insure victory to our brave Kenr 
tuckians." With an aspect of uncou^mon Urmness he 
turned to las ruen and said, <' Boys we have been se- 
lected to second our Colonel in the charge, act v/eil 
your part ; recollect the watch-word : victory or deaih.-^ 
He led on his spartan band. The battle coram enccd j 
he fell without a groan the first lire, but his example 
was not lost. 

With the solitary exception of Samuel Theobalds, 
who alone remained on horseback with Col. Johnson, 



152 KISTOr.Y OF 

the whole of Cul. Whitley's command were dismount- 
ed ill tea minutes, bj death or wounds, or horses sliot 
under them ! Theobalds, by order of Col. J, never dis- 
charged his piece, keeping it in reserve for a case of 
necessity, if it should occur. 

Lieut. Logan \v?-S mortally wounded. He lived In 
honor and died gloriouslj^, regretting his death only be- 
cause he left a wife & several children to inoiun his fate. 
A young printer of the name of Mansiield, was 
also mortally v\'0unded. Joel Johnson and others were 
anxious to place him in a place of security, as the battle 
still raged. But he would not consent to be removed, 
sayino; " I shall die in a few minutes^ return to the charge 
and gain the victory that 1 may die in peace," 

The mounted regiment was greatly indebtetl for its 
extraordinary discipline to the indefatigable exertions 
of Lieut. CoL James Johnson, brother to the Colonel, 
who has always been remarkable for military discipline. 
He is about 38 years of age 5 has been in several expe- 
ditions, even while a boy, against the indians living on 
the Wabash, and has served in many civil situations in 
Iventucky, which has given him celebrit}^ and standing. 
He was lirst a magistrate, then sheriff of Scott county, 
and afterw ards senator in the legislature of Kentucky. 
He had two promising sons in the action ; The eldest 
named Edward a fev; months above 15, and William, 
14 3'ear3of age. Such was the ardor of these young 
spartan?, that tlie officers had frequently to restrain 
iheir e^igcrness ; they v ere both mounted and often 
ara^ng the lirst in pursuit. The youngest is now a 
cadet at Wcit Point. 

Major Duval Payne, of the 1st battalion, inspired 
coMiidence v*hercver he appeared. He is now about 50 



THE LATE WAK. i<^ 

years of age. In 1792, ]\c dislinguislicd l.imsclfina 
personal renconter with an Indian in an expcdilicii 
against them ; he succeeded in disarming Ids savaj;o foe 
of his gun, tomaha\\ k and scalping knife, after having 
thrown the Indian several times, who as often extrica- 
ted himself by rising with his antagonist ! 

Major Thompson commanded the charging column 
on the extreme left. He dismounted his command ', 
Iliced to the left and extended his line parallel with the 
second swamp, in order effectually to oppose the flank 
line of the Indians, previously formed. His line were, 
instantly engaged and sustained their share of the 
action. He is apparently between 35 and 40 years of 
4ige, Justice of the Peace, Colonel of a militia regiment 
and Senator in the Kentucky Legislature ; sensible and 
mild, but daring and undismayed in the hour of peril. 

Captain Jacob Strieker, who commanded the dis- 
mounted line in fi*ont of the second battalion was not 
inferior to Tecumseh in his fame among the old Indian 
lighting men of Kentucky ; a man remarkably tacitui ri 
and reserved, except in l)attle, when Ids character in- 
stantly changes. Alv/a}^ in front of his men las exam- 
ple was surprising and his well known voice v/as heard 
in every direction. He is 50 years of age, and Ids at- 
tachment to Col. Johnson carried him into the field at 
^ time when he had given up all expectation of adding 
i,o his well earned fame. 

Capt. James Davidson was wounded and fell from his 
horse, and in attempting to give command fainted with 
the loss of blood -, but this did not discompose his 
men ; his subaltern officers kiew their duty ; and while 
their brave captain lay bleeding upon the grouud, le<i 
their company furiously to the charge. 

M 



514 HISTORY OF 

Capt. James Coleman and men did not less distin- 
guish themselves. After Col. Johnson was scTerely 
\voundcd, he ordered these companies to dismount and 
strengthen the line of battle, under Strieker, animated 
hy the voice of Capt. Coleman, the most determined 
courage was displayed. 

Major Thomson's column v/as composed of Captains 
K^ice and Comb's companies. Capt. Rice was without 
his superior in bravery or discretion. He was not less 
distinguished than Strieker for his early and gallant con- 
duct in numerous battles with the Indians. 

Capt. Combs, a man of S5, had fought under General 
Tv'ayne, as a private volunteer, and whose looks and 
remarkabls large whiskers struck the spectator with 
strong impressions of Ids firmness and bravery. 

Captains M'Cobe, Ellison, Mat3on and Hamilton of 
the 1st battalion deserve gr^at praise for their intrepid- 
ity. They are all men of intelligence, and reputation. 
Each led a cliarging column through the Britisli lines. 

Capt. Ellison received several rifle balls in his clothes 
£.Bd saddle. In l)reaking through the British ranks, a 
soldier of the 4 Ist attempted to fix his bayonet- At 
one stroke of his sabre, Capt. E. severed his head and 
brought him to the ground : a second made a show of 
resistance and shared the same fate. Shortly after- 
wards the captliin led his company against the Indiaes. 
it was then that his temerity had nearly cost him his 
life ; an Indian siezed the bridle of his horse and at- 
tempted a blow with tlie tomahawk ; but the sabre again 
prevented and tlie Indian lost his scalp. 

John Eerry had his hand shot to pieces, but refused 
to retire 5 he leaded hi^ gun twice and fired, and the 
third time was prevented from the blood whicl) fiUed the 
pan of Kli gun. 



THE LATE WAR. K^r, 

Major James Suggett who commanded t;ic dismount- 
ed line in front of the 1st battalion, and at other limes 
the advanced guard, was a baptist preaclier, about 53 
}^ears old, of stentorian l;ing«, considerable oratory, 
and remarkable for his personal courage from infancy. 
Associated with idm were Captains Church, r>erry and 
Eeding, men of distinguished valor and discretion, and 
whose men were equal t<j the most trying occasions. 

The forlorn hope were truly a Spartan band, Samuel 
Theobalds and Joseph Taylor, the first a lav.-yer, were 
both young men of promise. Benjamin Chambers, a 
Piember of the Kentucky Legislature, a young man 
self taught and of a strong mind. . Eli Short, assistant 
dep. Quarter Master, Garret IVall, Forage Master, 
Robert Payne, "William Webb, all equally determined, 
formed a part of this little corps, and survived tlic 
terrible ordeal. 

The greater part of Governor Shelby 's corps had not 
an opportunity of participating in the action. This 
circumstance was very much regretted by them. Those 
that met the enemy on the left flank distinguished them- 
selves. From Sandwich to the Moravian town the 
greater part marched on foot and with a rapidity that 
was almost incredible. But their noble Goa crnor was 
at their head. 

The Indians fought bravely and sustained a serious 
loss. Sixty five waniors were left dead on the battle 
ground. Their total loss was 125 killed, besides wound- 
ed. Six Americans and twenty two Indians fell with- 
in twenty yards where Tecumseli was killed and the 
trails of blood almost covered the ground. 

Among the trophies of this day were six brass field 
pieces, captured from the British at Bennington antl 
Saratoga, surrendered at Detroit by Hull, and again 



isa HISTORY OF 

recovered. May cowardice never again be entrusted 
>itli their defence. About 5000 stands of arms were 
also taken between the mouth of the Thames and the 
JVIoravian town. 

*rhe day after the battle, a part of the army took pos- 
session of the Moravian town, which was deserted^ but 
^vhere was found most kinds of vegetables in abundance, 
which were very acceptable to men who had subsisted 
jseveral days on fresh beef without bread or salt. Ex- 
tensive corn fields afforded an excellent range for the 
horses. So panic struck were the Indian women at the 
;advance of the troops to the town, that some of them 
actually tlirew their young cldldren into the Thames, to 
prevent their being massacred by the Americans 1* 

The flight of the Indians from the town was so sud- 
den, that their kettles were yet boiling over their fires. 
The tovy-n was destroyed by the troops previous to their 
leaving it. Among the reasons assigned to justify the 
measure, it was alledged thtit these Indians had been 
^mong ine iDremosL iu massacreing our men at the 
liver Raisin, and, that the tov/n, if it were spared, would 
afford a convenient shelter fw the British allies during 
-the winter, and from which they could easily pass into 
the Michigan territory to plunder and murder the in- 
habitants. 

Gen. Proctor abandoned his army at the very moment 
Johnson's bugle sounded the charge. An escort of 40 
dragoons and a few cowardly Indians accompanied him. 
A few of Gov. Shelbey's men who had procured horses^ 
pursued him ; and at one time were vrithin 100 yarda 

* I had this fact from an American gentleman, who 
was at Oxford, when Proctor and the Indians passed 
through there on their way to Burlington heights. Tlie 
squaws w&ie then bewailing the loss of tlieir childrea* 



THE LATE WAR. 157 

of him, but were too few in numbers to attack his guard. 
His flight was rapid, for in 24 hours he was more than 
60 rrJies from the scena of danger. His carriage, wife, 
sword and papers fell into the hands of his pursuers. 
The carrian;e of Col. Elliot was also taken. 

Three waggons loaded with specie escaped. A depot 
of 300 barrels of flour was at Oxford. Gen. Hanison 
having no orders to advance to Burlington heights by 
the way of Grand River, ordered the army to commence 
its march back to Detroit* 

At the skirmish near the mouth of the Thames, an 
Indian squaw was mortally wounded ; she was left to 
shift for herself: her little girl, 6 years old, remained 
with her. On the return of the army from the Moravian 
town, they were found in the woods, at the distance of 
half a mile from where she was wounded ; to appear- 
ance she had been dead three days ; the girl was still 
living. When our men approached the spot, she instant* 
ly raised her hands and distinctly articulated " dont ."' 
She was taken to Detroit, whei-e her fate and sprightli- 
Dess excited universal interest. An officer of Governor 
Shelby's corps took her to Kentucky with the humane 
and honorable intention of adopting lier in his family, 
and of giving her an education. 

While Gen. Harrison was pursuing Proctor up tlie 
Thames, tlie Ottawas, ( hippewas, Potto v/ at ainies, Mi- 
amies and Kikapoos, proposed to Gen. M' Arthur, a 
suspension of hostilities, and agreed to " take hold oi 
the same tomahawk with the Americans and strike all 
who are, or may be enemies of the United States, wheth- 
er British or Indians.*'^ They brought in their women 
and children and offered them fkS hostages for tla^ir good 
behayior. 



138 HISTORY OF 

The army returned to Detroit. Ca^>t. Elliot, of tUe 
NiasTira, volunteered liis services to commantl a naval 
expedition against Micl'llniackinac and Fort St. Joseph ; 
but the weather proving unfavorable for a number of 
days, the season became too far advanced to risk the 
squadron on lake Huron ^ till spring. 

Lieut. Le Breton arrived at Detroit on the 15th bear- 
ing a flag, and a letter from Gen. Proctor to Gen. Harri- 
son. This letter requested humane treatment to the 
prisoners and a restoration of certain property and 
papers taken on the 5th. As the letter was addressed 
to the General, " at Moravian towns," he saw no reason 
for Le Breton's journey to Detroit, and ordered him to 
join Gen. Proctor by the way of BuiFalo and Fort George. 

After the return of the commander in chief to De- 
troit, Walk-in-the-water, who had been in the battle of 
the Tliames, came in to implore peace. When he cross- 
ed from Sandwich, the white flag which he bore in his 
liand had attracted agreat crowed to the wharf, all anxious 
to ^di a near view of the distinguished chief. 1 v/as 
struck with admiration at the firmness and apparent 
nonchalance with which he ascended the bank and pas- 
sed through the ranks of the Kentucky volunteers,, 
•whom, he had so gallantly opposed in battle but a few 
days before. I never saw more real dignity of carriage 
or a more striking firmness of countenance. Yet his situ- 
ation v/as calculated to depress his spirits and produce 
humility. His town was in the power of the Ameri- 
cans ; the British were all taken 5 the Indians had just 
suffered a signal defeat ; almost all the other chiefs had 
submitted 5 he was without the means of living or re- 
''Ostance ; still his manner w^as that of a conqueror. 

A few days after Proctor's defeat, the tov/n was so full 
of famished savages, that the issue of rations to them did 
not keep pace A^ith their liunger. I have seeu th« 



THE T.ATE WAR. 139 

■women and Ciiildren searching tlie ground for bones- 
and rinds of pork, wliich had been thrown av/ay by the 
soldiers; meat, in a hig!i state of put rlfaction, which 
had been thrown into the river, was carefully picked up 
and devoured ; the feet, heads and entrails of the cattle 
slaughtered by the public butchers, were collected and 
sent off to the neighboring villages. I have counted 
twenty horses in a drove fancifully decorated with the 
ofials of the slaughter yard. 

Gov. Shelby's corps and the t\^e]^e imonth's volun- 
teers, were all honorably discharged. Travelling be- 
came safe, and business at Detroit began to resume its 
wonted course, but the price current of the territory 
ivas exhorbltant for every thing to eat, drink or wear. 
Whisky sold at 4 dolls, a gallon ; beef at 24 cents a 
pound ; cheese 60 do ; butter 75 ; potatoes 2 dolls, a 
bushel. The army was well supplied with rations, as 
were also about 300 of the inhabitants of Michigan, and 
about £000 Indians, men, women and children who had 
no other means of subsistence. Adventurers soon came 
en with a sufficient supply of dry goods. 

On the 23d of October, Gen. Harrison with ail his dis- 
posable regular troops, embarked on board the fleet and 
sailed for Buffalo, in obedience to the orders from the 
secretary of war. Previous to his departure, he appoint- 
ed Gen. Cass provisional Governor of the Michigan 
territory ; the civil ordinances^ as they stood at Hull's 
surrender, were proclaimed in force. Gen. Cass was 
left with abomt one thousand men, not more than seven 
hundred of whom were effective. The men were in- 
dustriously employed in preparing winter quarters at 
the fort. The Scorpion and Ohio schooners were enga- 
ged in transporting supplies from Erie and Cleveland, 
for the troops during wdnter. Troops were stationed at 
Maiden and Sandwich. The campaign closed. 



u 



illSTOKY OF 



Naval Battle on Lake Erie. 



I 



.N the spring of 1813, the Caledonia brig and four 
small schooners ¥,erc repaired at the navy yard, half 
a mile belov/ Black Rock. At the same time four gun- 
boats and two 20 gun brigs were building at Erie. 

The command of these little squadrons was given by 
Commodore Chauncey to Commodore Perry. But to 
meet the enemy, whose force was su}Mirior, with any 
prospect of success, it was necessary that a junction of 
the two divisions should be formed. To prevent this, 
the Queen Charlotte and Lady Pravost were cruising 
between Erie and Buffalo^ Fortunately, however, he 
eluded their vigilance and passed them with light ves- 
sels in the niglit, unpereeived. 

Arrived at Erie, Lieut. Perry used every exertion to 
expedite the building, equipment and sailing of the 
brigs ; and early in August the whole squadron was 
ready to sail. 

But it was necessary to pass the bar at the entrance 
of the harbor of Erie, over which there was but six 
feet water and the two brigs Lawrence and Niagara 
drew nine ! Many entertained an opinion that it would 
be impracticable for our squadron to get out, especially, 
as the British fleet appeared off the harbor, for the 
purpose of preventing ours from getting over the bar. 

The means employed to get the heavy brigs over the 
lar J deserve mention* Tw(^ large scows^ 50 feetlongv 



THE LATE WAR. 141 

10 feet wide, and six feet deep, built for the occasion, 
were filled with water and floated along side of one of 
the brigs in a parallel direction ; thej were then secured 
by means of large pieces of hewn timber placed ath- 
w^art ship with both ends projecting from the port holes 
of the brigand reaching across both scows. The water 
was then bailed from the scows, whicli gave them an as- 
tonishing lifting power, and enabled them to float over 
the bar. 

At the moment the brigs were ready to cross the bar, 
the British fleet made its appearance off the harboi-, but 
a well directed fire from a commanding battery below 
the town caused the enemy to keep at a more respectful 
distance. The auspicious opportuniy was seized to 
pass into the open lake. 

One obstacle was surmounted, but the fleet was not 
in a condition to seek the enemy at Maiden, There 
were not at this time more than half sailors enough to 
man the fleet. However, a number of Pennsylvania 
militia having volunteered their services, the com.mo- 
tlore made a short cruize oif Long Point, more perhaps, 
for the purpose of exercising his men than seeking an 

enemy. 

About the last of August ccmmodore Perry left Erie, 
to cooperate with gen. Harrison in the reduction of 
Ma!ilen, He anchored off the moutli of Sandusky river, 
and had an iTitcrview with gen. Harrison, who furnishod 
him with about seventy volunteers, principally Ken- 
tuckians, to serve as marines on board the fleet. Capt. 
Dobbin, in the Ohio, was ordered to return to Erie for 
provisions. The Amelia had been left there for want 
of men to man her. Exclusive of these he had nine 
sail, mounting in all fifty fgur guns. The British fleet 



142 HISTORY OF 

at Maiden, consisted of six sail, and mounted sixty six 
guns. 

Com. Perry appeared before Maiden, offered battl^ 
reconnoitered the enemy and retired to Put in Bay, 
thirty five miles distant from his antagonist. Both par- 
ties remained a few days inactive ; but their repose was 
that of the lion. 

On the morning of the 10th of Beptember, at sunrise, 
the enemy were discovered bearing down from Maiden 
for the evident purpose of attacking our squadron, then 
at anchor in Put in Bay. Not a moment was to be lost. 
Our squadron immediately got under way and stood out 
to meet the British fleet, which at this time had the 
weather gage. At 10 A. M. the wind shifted from S. 
W. to S. E. which brought our gquadron to windward. 
The wind v/as light, the day was beautiful — not a cloud 
obscured the horizon. The line was formed at 11, and 
com. Perry caused an elegant flag, which he had private- 
ly prepared, to be hoisted at the mast head of the Law- 
rence ; on this flag was painted in characters, legible to 
the whole Heet, the dying words of the immortal Law- 
rence :— .« Don't give up the ship." Its effect is 
not to be described — every heart v/as electrified. The 
crews cheered — the exhilerating can was passed. Both 
fleets appeared eager for the conflict, on the result of 
which so much depended. At 15 minutes before 12, the 
Detroit, the headmost ship of the enemy, opened upon 
the Lawrence, which for ten minutes was obliged to 
sustain a well directed and heavy fire from the ene- 
my's two large ships, without being able to return it 
witli caronades : at five minutes before 12, the Law- 
rence opened upon the enemy' — the other vessels were 
tideied to support herj but the wind was at this time 



THE LATE WAR, 143 

too light to enable them to come up. Evci^ brace and 
bowline of the Lawrence being soon shot away, she 
became unmanageable, and in this situation sustained 
the action upvAaids of two hours, within canister dis- 
tance, until every gun was rendered useless, and but 
a small part of her crew left unhurt upon deck. 

At half past two the wind increased and enabled 
the Niagara to come into close action — the gun boats 
took a nearer position. Com. Perry left the ship in 
command of Lieut. Yarnall, and went en board tlie 
Niagara. Just as he reached tliat vessel, the flag of 
the Lawrence came down ; the crisis had arrived. Capt. 
Elliot at this moment anticipated the wishes of th« 
commodore, by volunteering his services to bring the 
schooners into close action. 

At forty five minutes past two, the signal was made 
for close action. The Niagara being very little in- 
jured, and her crew fresh, the commodore determined 
to pass through the enemy's line ; he accordingly passed 
aliead of the Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and Lady Prc- 
VGst, pouiing a terrible raking fire into tliem from the 
starboard guns, and on the Chippeway and Little Belt, 
from the larboard side, at half pistol shot distance. 
The small vessels at this time having got within grape 
and canister distance, kept up a well directed and de- 
structive fije. The action now raged with the greatest 
fury — the Queen Charlotte, having lost her commander 
and several of her principal ofiicers, in a moment of 
confusion got foul of the Detroit — in this situation the 
enemy in their turn had to sustain a tremendous fire 
without the power of returning it witli much effect j the 
'carnage was horrible — the flags of the Detroit, Queea 
Charlotte aiid Lady Prevogt were struck ia rapid *u£- 



144 HISTORY OF 

cession. The brig Hunter and sclieoner Chippe^vayj 
were soon compelled to follow the example. The Lit- 
tle Belt attempted to escape to Maiden, but she was 
pursued by two of the gun boats. and surrendered about 
three miles distant from the scene of action. 

The writer of this account, in company with five 
others arrived at the head of Put in Bay island on the 
evening of the 9th, and had a view of the action at 
the distance of only ten miles. The spectacle was 
truly grand and awful. The firing was incessant for 
the space of three hours, and continued at short in- 
vals for forty minutes longer. In less than an hour af- 
ter the battle began, most of the vessels of both fleets 
were inveloped in a cloud of smoke, which rendered 
the issue of the action uncertain, till the next morningj 
when we visited the fleet in the harbor on the opposite 
side of the island* The reader will easily jtidge of our 
solicitude to learn the result. There is no sentiment 
more painful than suspense, when it is excited by the 
uncertain issue of an event which so deeply affects the 
national interest. 

If the wind had continued at S. W. it was the inten- 
tion of Admiral Barclay to have boarded our squadron ; 
for this purpose he had taken on board his fleet about 
SOO of the famous 41st regiment; they acted as ma- 
rines and fought bravely, but nearly two thirds of theia 
were either killed or wounded. 

The carnage on board the prizes was prodigious-— 
they must have lost 200 in killed, besides wounded. 
The sides of the Detroit and Queen Charlotte were 
shattered from bow to stern 5 there was scarcely room 
to place one's hand on their larboard sides without 
touching the impression of a sliot-^-fc gioat many ball% 



TIll^LATE WAR. Hi 

canister and grape, were found lodged in their bul- 
warks, which were too thick to be penetrated by our 
carronades, unless witliin pij^tol shot distance. Tluir 
masts were so much shattered that thej fell overboard 
coon after they got into the bay. 

The loss of the Americans was severe, particularly 
on board the La(\ rence. When her flag was struck she 
had but nine men fit for duty remaining on dcck.^ Her 

* It was Pcrry*s lot repeatedly to see men S'acpt 
away from liis side ; some even while conversing Vvitli 
him. One of these incidents dispiaj-s the ccolnei;s and 
presence of mind that prevailed amongthe officers, and 
indeed throughout tlie ship ena!)ling them to jest \vith 
present dangers. The second Lieutenant of the Law- 
rence, while standing beside Commodore Perry, was 
struck in the breast by a chain shot. The shot having 
passed through the bulwark, had no ether effect 
than to knock him down, and lodged in the bosom of 
his waistcoat. He fell with an exclamation, and re> 
mained for a moment t tunned by the violence of the 
blow. Perr}-" raised hiui up, and seeing no marks r^T 
a wound, gave him some cheering woi'ds, and told hun. 
he could not be hurt. The iicutenant coming to him- 
self, put his hand into his bor,om, pidlcd out tJic chaiix 
shot, and exclaiming " no sir, but ihh iy r.iy bhot,'^ 
thrust it with great mns;fvoiu into his pocket. 

In the course of tlic action Perry noticed a priiKe 
and favorite sailor, who vras captain of oi;e of the guns^ 
very much embftrra£2ed with his picc<>^ which, i-i con-, 
sequence of the forelock being broken, wafj ratne? un.^ 
manageable and rebounded. Ferry approached him,, 
and in his usual encouragi?^g maniieiv aske^I him what 
■was the matter? The honest tar, who had been show^ 
ing signs of infinite vexation, turned round, and, as if 
speaking of a mistress, exclainied reproachfully, •'•'sir, 
my gun behaves shamefully-— sharacfully!" He then 
levelled it, and having taken aim, raisL-d up a:i-I *qiia};^'.i 
hiiaseif in a tin-e martial style, when eudionjv a car.- 



146 HISTORY OF 

sides "vvere completely ridclled by the shot from tlic 
long guns of the British ships. Her deck, the morn- 
ing after the conflict, when I first went on board, exhib* 

non hall stnick turn in the breast, passed through hiniy 
and he fell dead without a groan 1 

Lieut. Yarnall^ of the Lawrence, behaved throughout 
^vith great bravery and coolness. He was dressed as 
a common seaman, a red bandana hiindkerchief was tied 
round his neck, and another round his head, to stanch 
two wounds which he had received. From these the 
blood trickled down his face;, and a splinter having 
passed throiigh his nose, it lind swelled to a hedious 
magnitude, in this frightful plight, -looking like the 
very genius of carnage and ill luckj he came up to Per- 
vy hi the hottest and bloodiest of the fight, and an- 
nounced to him that all the officers of his division were 
killed. Perry ordered others in their place. Shortly 
after, Yarnall returned with a repetition Hi the dismal 
tidings, that all thfe o^cfers were shot down ; "then, 
&ir," said Perry, " ycU must eridfeavor to makti oiit by 
yourself, I have no more to furnish you !" 

One circunistartce which Perry felales deserves par- 
iicular mention. It has in it something of sentiment 
that is above common life> arid absolutely belongs to 
poetry. When, in the sweeping havoc that was some° 
'times made, a numbisr 6f men were shot away frona 
around a gun, the survivOf^ looked silently around to 
jPerr//— and then stepped silently into their places. 
Whenever he looked it the poor fellows that lay woun- 
ded and wcUeriiig on the d'eckj h^ ill ways [founS 
their faces turned loKmrdi him ^ and their eyes fixed on 
Ms counteiivMce. It is impossible for wbrds to heighten 
the simple and affecting eloquctice 6f this anecdote. 
It speiikfi volumes in praise t>f the heroism of the com- 
mander, 2nd the lojal atTection of his followers. 

When Perry went off from the Lawrence to shift hij 
fiai;; to the Niagara, he stood up in the boat gallantly 
waving his sword, and was heard cheeringly to exclaim, 
^ Piiiraway my brave boys!" so earnest wns he that. 



THE LATE WaR. ur 

ited a scene that defies description— for it was lit- 
erally covered with blood, which was still adhering to 
the plank iu clots— brains, hair and fragments oi" bones, 

though the balls whistled round hinv, he could scarcely 
be made to take a seat, and an old sailor, who had hee.u 
in both battles of the Constitution, absolutely held hiiii 
down. 

Just after he had got on board the Niagara, and Vv-aa 
on the quarter deck, a sailor who commanded one of the 
guns, seeing all his men shot down, turned with eager- 
ness to Perry, and, laying both hands upon his shoul- 
ders, exclaimed, " For God^s sake, sir, give me some 
more men !" Such was the vivid animation that pre- 
vailed among all ranks, they had lost all sense of per- 
sonal danger, and thought of nothing but victor v. 

When the Niagara dashed througn the eneinV-s line, 
as she passed the Lady Prevost, ^Lieut. Buchan, the 
commander of that vessel, was shot through the face 
by a musket ball. The vessels were then within half 
pistol shot, so that every thing could be distinctly seen 
from one to the other. The crew of the liady I^revcat 
unable in their crippled state to stand the fire cf the 
Niagara ranbelov/ ; but their unfortunate commander re- 
mained on deck, and Perry saw him leaning on the com- 
panion way, with his face on his hand, looking with Axed 
stare at his enemies. Perry immediately silenced the ma- 
rines on the quarter deck, and running forward ordered 
the men to cease firing. He afterwai-ds learnt that the 
strange conduct of Lieut. Euchan was owing to sudden 
derangement caused by his wound. He was a brave 
officer, and had distinguished liimself in the battle cf 
the Nile. 

While Perry was engaged at close quarters in the 
Niagara, Lieut. Turner, a fine bold young sailor, who 
commanded the brig Caledonia, of three guns, spreadir-i-; 
every sail, endeavored to get into action. His foresaii 
interfered between him and the enemy, but, rather than 
take in an inch of canvass, he ordered hig men to fir#? 
through it. Seeing the Commodore en^;aged ia the 



14S HISTORY OF 

were still sticking to the ligging and sides. The sur- 
fz-eons were still busy with ths wounded— enough ! hor- 
lor appalled my senses. 

thickest of the fight, he proposed to the commander of 
another small vessel, to board the Detroit j the other, 
how ever prudently declined the rash butgallant propasal. 

The boatswain of the Ariel was among the killed; no 
sooner had he fallen upon deck, than a Spaniard who 
had often received the rope's end from his hands, kneel- 
ed down by the side of his dead body and began to 
drink his blood, to satiate his vengeance, articulating 
*' beunos /*' *\s^0QdJ^^ This monster did. not long survive 
his repast of human blood. 

The only time that the coolness and self command of 
Perry experienced any thing like a shock, was on seeing^ 
Ids young brother, a midshipman, knocked down by a 
hammock, wh^lch had been driven in by a ball. In the 
moiTientary a,a;ony of his mind he gave him up as slain, 
but had the delight to see him rise up perfectly unhurt. 

Perry speaks highly of the bravery and good conduct 
of the negroes, who- formed a considerable part of his 
crev/. They seemed to^ be absolutely insensible to dan- 
ger. When Captain Barclay came onbo-ard the Niagara 
and beheld the sickly and particolored beings around 
kim, an expression of chagrin escaped him, at having 
been conquered by such men. The fresh water service 
had very much impaired tha health of the sailors, and 
erouded the sick list with patients. 

We shall close these fev/ particulars of this gallant 
and romantic affair, with the aifecting fate of Lieut. 
Brookes of the marines. It presents an awful picture 
of the scenes which the warrior witnesses in battle ; hisi 
favorite companions suddenly cut down before his eyes ; 
those dreadful transitions from the flush of health and' 
the vivacity of youth, to the ghastliness of agonized 
death ; from the cheering and tiie smile, to the shriek 
and the convulsion. 

Brobkes was a gay, animated youn^ officer, remarka- 
ble fur his beauty^ bi the niidbt of the engagement he.; 



THE LATE WAR. lAi> 

'Vmon^thc wounded viere several brave fel!o^vs each 
ef whom had lost a leg or an arm — they appearetl cheer- 
ful and expressed a hope that they had done their diitv. 

accosted Perry in a spirited tone, \vi(h a sriile on hi^^ 
countenance^ and was making some observations about 
the enemy, when a cannon ball struck him in liic thiu;h, 
and dashed him to tlie opposite side of the deck. The^ 
blov/ shattered him dreadfuliy, &nd the sudden anguish 
forced from him the most thrilling exclamations. lie 
implored Perry to shoot him and put an end to his tor- 
ture ; the latter directed some of the marines to carry 
him below and consign him to the surgeon. Tiie scene 
was rendered more affecting by the conduct of a mulatto 
boy of twelve years of age, a favorite of Brooke's, lie 
was carrying cartridges to-one of the guns, but on seeing 
liis master fall, he threw himself on the deck v, ith tiiw 
most frantic gesticulations and piercing cries, e.vclaimin;^. 
that his master was killed; nor could he be appe^isr^i' 
until orders were given to take him below ; v.hen ho 
immediately returned to carrying cartridges. 

Mr. Hamilton, the purser who had worked "t a gua 
like a common sailor, being wounded, r/as ca-nied below 
and laid on the same mattreys v»itli Ifrook-js. Tlie 
wound of the latter was stanched, and he hiy coir.|)03ed, 
calmly awaiting his approaching death. Hiaiiiilon ob- 
serves that he never looked so beautiful as vd this mo- 
ment, when the anguisli of his wound had imparted a 
feverish flush and lustre to his usually bljo-uiru- counte- 
nance. He asked with great solicitude after Perry, and 
how the battle went. He ^ave a few directions about 
his own affairs, and, while his voice was growing weaker 
and weaker, recommended his little mulatto to kindness 
and protection, directing into whose hands he should be. 
placed. While he was yet talking, Hamilton's atten- 
tion was suddenly attracted by some circumstance which 
occasioned him to look another way for a moment ; the 
voice of his companion died away upon his cat, and' 
when he turned his face again poor Brookes had ex- 
pired 1 (Analeclic tMc^azine.J 

N 2 



150 HISTORY OF 

Rome and Sparta would have been proud of these lie- 
roes. 

It w,ould be iiividious to particularize instances of 
individual merit, -where everj one so noblj performed 
his part. Of the nine seamen remaining unhurt at the 
time the Lawrence struck her Hag, five were immediate* 
promoted for their unshaken firmness in such a trying 
situation. The most of these had been in the actions 
with the Guerriere and Java. 

The undaunted bravery of admiral Barclay entitled 
him to a better fate ; to the loss of the day was super- 
added grievous and dangerous wounds : he had befor© 
lost an arm ; it was now his hard fortune to lose the use 
of the other by a shot which carried away the blade of 
his shoulder ; a canister shot made a violent contusion 
*nhis hip : his wounds were for somedays considered mor- 
tal. Every possible attention was paid to his situation. 
When Cora. Perry sailed for Buffalo, he was so far recov- 
ered that he took passage on board our fleet which touch- 
ed at Erje. The citizens saw the affecting spectacle 
of Harrison and Perry supporting the wounded British, 
hero, still unable to walk without help, from the beach 
to their lodgings. 

On board of the Detroit, twesty four hours after her 
surrender, were found snugly stowed away in the hold,, 
two Indian Chiefs who had the courage to go on board- 
at Maiden, for the purpose of acting as sharp shooters 
to kill our ofTicers. One had the courage to ascend into . 
t'ae round top and discharged his piece, but the whizzing 
of shot, splinters, and bits of rigging, soon made the 
place too warm for him ; he descended faster than he 
went up ; at the moment he reached the deck, the frag- 
m^zxXs of a seaman's head struck his comrade's faccj 



17IE LAIK ^A AR. 1:31 

and coverenl it with blood and brains. He vociferated 
the savage interjection " qnoh /" and both sought safe- 
ty below.* 

The killed of both ileeti were throv/n overboard as 
fast as they fell. Scvei-al were v/ashing ashore upon 
the island and tlie main diuii^g the gales that succeeded 
the action. 

Com. Perry treated ^.aQ. prisoners with humanity and 
indulgence; several Canadians having wires at Maiden, 
were permitted to visit their families on parole. 

The British were superior in the length and number 
of their guns^ as well as in the number of men. The 
American fleet was manned with a motly set of beings^ 
Europeans, Africans^ Americans from every part of the 
Wnited States. Nearly one fourth were blacks, I saw 
a Rassiau, who could not speak a word of Englislu 
They were brave ; and who could be otherwise under 
the command of, PeiTy 1 

i 

* When tlie ship was taken, they anticipated craei 
treatment, if their nation was discovered, and borrow- 
ed sailors' clothes that they might pass for Englishmen. 
Thus disguised, they lay in close concealment for two 
days, when word was brought to Ferry, that two Indians 
were concealed below, who had not tasted food for eight 
and forty hours. 

He had them brought upon deck, where they made a 
icnost uncouth and ludicrous appearance, with their bor- 
rowed garments bagging about them. They expected 
nothing less than to be butchered, and scalped,' but, not- 
withstanding, preserved the most taciturn inflexibility of 
muscle. Perry, however, after putting a few good 
humored questions to them, ordered them to be taken 
aw ay and fed ; a degree of lenity which seemed to 
strike them with more Surprise than titieir stoic naturej 
are apt to eviace* " ' "^ * 



152 HISTORY OF 

The day after the battle, the funeral obsequies of tlie 
American and British officers, who had fallen in the 
actk)n were performed, in an appropriate and afifecting 
manner. An opening on the margin of the bay was 
selected for the interment of the bodies. The crews of 
both fleets attended. The Weather was fine ; the ele- 
ments seemed to participate in the solemnities of the 
day, for every breeze was hushed, and not a wave ruffled 
the surface of the water. The procession of boats ; the 
neat appearance of the officers and men ; the music 5 
the slow and regular motion of the oars, striking in exact 
time with the notes of tlie solemn dirge ; the mournful 
waving of the flags ; the sound of the minute guns from 
the different ships in the harbor ; the wild and solitary 
aspect of the place; the stillness of nature, gave to 
the scene an air of melancholly grandeur, better felt 
than described ; all acknowledged its influence ; all 
were sensibly affected. What a contrast did it exhibit 
*to the terrible conflict of the preceding day ! Then the 
people of the two squadrons were engaged in the dead- 
ly strife of arms. Now they associated like brothers, 
to pay the last tribute of respect to the dead of both 
nations. 
Five officers were interred, two American and three 

British. Lieut. Brooks and midshipman Laub of the 
Lawrence ; Capt. Finnis and Lt. Stokoe of the Queen. 
Charlotte, and Lieut. Garland of the Detroit. The 
graves are but a few paces from the beach, and the future 
traveller of cither nation, it is feared, will find no me- 
mento whereby he may distinguish the American from 
the British hero. 

The marines of our fleet were highly complimented 
by the commodore for their good conduct } although it 



THE LATE WAR. 153 

was the first time the most af them liad seen a square 
rigged vessel, being fresh from Harrison's army. 

The British ofHcer domesticated a bear at Maiden. 
Bruin accompanied his comrades to battle 5 was on the 
the deck of the Detroit during the engagement, and 
escaped unhurt. 

A dog which was on board the Lawrence, ha'd retired 
to the cockpit, where the wounded were rapidly accu- 
mulating, the tremendous roar of the cannon 5 the 
shrieks of theilying and mutulated seamen ; the shock- 
ing spectacle of the floor of the cockpit inundated with 
blood, operated so powerfully upon the nerves of poor 
trayj that he expressed his feelings by various gesticu- 
lations of terror. At length a 32 pound shot perfora- 
ted the side of the ship and poured in the light of 
heaven upon his « drear abode,' when he suddenly thrust 
his head through the aperture and commenced a most 
pitious howling. This singular conduct of the affrighted 
animal excited the risible muscles even of the dying 
and mortally wounded. 

The fate of James Bird deserves to be recorded. He 
was from Luzerne county (Penn.) and volunteered a- 
board of the Lawrence. " He performed his duty like 
a hero. Towards the close of the engagement, a can- 
ister shot struck him on the shoulder as he was stooping 
to his gun. He was instantly covered with blood, and 
his officer ordered him belov/. Ke ventured to disobey, 
preferring to do duty while he liad strength, to abandon- 
ing his post ; but the blood flowed so fast that another 
order was issued to go below. He ran down^ — got a 
hasty bandage on the wound, came again on deck, and 
although his left arm was useless, yet he handed car- 
tiidgesj and perfor^ied tlie utmost seryjce m his pow«r 



t54 HISTORY OF 

with his right, until the stars and stripes wared victori- 
ous over the foe." 

Nevertheless, he afterwards desert ed—^yrni taken, 
condemned by a court martial and executed on board the 
Niagara in November 1814. 

I have my fears that the blood of the brave but unfor* 
tunate -Birrf, rests upon the head of a tyrant officer. 
It must have been an energetic cause indeed, that would 
have induced a man of such undaunted courage, bear- 
ing a lasting testimonial of his valor and of his ser- 
vices, and entitled to a valuable share of prize money, 
I repeat, it must have been no ordinary grievance that 
could have induced a brave man thus situated, todesert^ 
^4© flag he had once so gloriously defended. 



THE LATE WAR, !I5^' 



Biographical Notice of General Harrison.^ 

VjrEN. William Henry Harrison is descendeci 
from one of the most ancient and respectable families of 
Virginia. His father, grand father, and great grand 
father all attained to civil distinctions. His father 
represented that state in the continental congress from 
1774 to 1776; in 1777j declining^ reelection, was cho» 
«en speaker of the lower branch of the Legislature, in 
which office he Continued to acttill the year 1782, when 
he was appointed Goveirnor ef Virginia. The journals 
of the revolutionary tongress bear ample testimony of 
his zeal and usefulness, and the estimation in which he 
Was held. He was one of the three members deputed 
to Washington's camp in the year 1775, in order to per^ 
suade the army to extend their term of service 5 again 
one of the committee to determine whether New York 
should be burned or defended ; after tliat chairman of 
the " board of war," and lastly c'nairman of the mema=- 
rable assembly which declared the new world indepen- 
dent and free. 

The hero of Tippecanoe, of Meigs, and Tliamcsjwas 
born at the family seat, situated on the bank of James 
Hver, twenty five miles below Richmond. He received 
a medical education, bat preferring the profession of 
arms, applied for anensigncy^ which was readily obtain" 

* For most of the facts contained in this notice, we 
are indebted totlie Port Folio ; many of the paragraphs 
ftre copied ver^atim^ 



156 HISTORY OF 

ed, as president Washington, Gen. Henry Lee, attor= 
nej general Randolph and Robert Morris, were all his 
friends and patrons. 

His first appcxarance in the military costume, was at 
Philadelpliia, in the character of a recruiting officer in 
the first regiment of U. S. infantry. From thence he 
proceeded to Join his regiment at fort Washington, in 
the north western terrritory, a few days after St. Clair's 
defeat. 

*' His arrival is yet remembered by several persons 
at Cincinnati, who, when he became a man of conse- 
quence and popularity in that country, took pleasure in 
describing his person. The ensign might have been for- 
gotten, but the governor and the major general buoyed 
up all the minute circmnstances which Would have sunk 
with the poor subaltern officer to the bottom of oblivion. 
Accordingly, we are told that ensign Harrison, when he 
joined his corps was a stripling of nineteen years of 
age : tall, thin, puerile in his person, and to all appear- 
ance but v/retchedly qualified for the hardships to which 
a soldier is liable in the wilderness. Yet with such a 
frame, softened by all the comfort and delicacy in which 
the wealthy families of the southern states rear tlieir 
d\ildren, was our military novice at once exposerd to 
the most trying circumstances. 

« The broken remains of general St. Clair's anny were 
everj day arriving at the fort, naked, broken down and 
dispirited. The period of service of the militia had 
expired : the detachment of the second regiment of reg- 
ulars that was in the action under St. Glair, was entire* 
ly cut up, and thus the task of maintaining the line of 
posts that had been erected, of establishing new ones, 
md of affording convoys for provisions^ devoled upon 



THE LATE WAR. 157 

an inconsiderable body composed of between three and 
four hundred of the first regiment, and the miserable 
fragments of general St, Clair's shattered army. The 
situation of our young soldier was now such as might 
well have discouraged the stoutest heart, and dispobed 
him to listen to the admonition of his friends in Phila- 
delphia* — nay, so formidable was the prospect before 
him that a friend whom he met by accident at the fort, 
after giving him a lively picture of the excessive hard- 
ship to which he must necessarily be exposed, with a 
frame and constitution so wholly unequal to it, exhorted 
him to resign his commission and return home again, 
assuring him that even though he should be able to sus- 
tain those hardships, it was scarcely possible he should 
resist the seductive habits of intemperance which at that 
time prevailed in the army. All these remonstrances 
were unavailing. Taking counsel partly from his own 
private inclinations, and partly from a nice sensibility 
to shame, which suggested, in exaggerated colors, the 
impropriety of retreating from his purpose at such a 
crisis, and perhaps too from the apprehension of being- 
ridiculed by his comrades, he determined to persevere 
and was soon after appointed to the command of a 
detachment of 20 men ordered to escort a company of 
pack horses, to fort Hamilton ; a duty which ivas atten- 
ded v/itli singular diHiculties, distresses, and priva- 
tions." 

He performed this service to the entire satisfaction of 
his superior by whom he was publicly thanked for liis 
good conduct. 

* The first physicialis of that city remou'trated 
against his abandoning tlie study of medicine, 

O 



158 HISTORY OF 

General St. Clair set out for Philadelphia, and left 
the army under the command of Gen. Wilkinson. Of 
this event General Harrison speaks with pleasure, as 
making a very interesting period in his life. To the 
goodness of Gen. Wilkinson, he never omits a fair op- 
portunity of bearing testimony, or of declaring that, 
besides a multitude of acts of kindness, he owes the 
preservation of his temperate habits to the indefatigable 
tenderness and friendly admonition of the General, 
who not only gave him the best advice, but upon one oc- 
casion, prevented him from being sent to a distant post 
in conformity to his regular tour of duty, lest he should 
acquire from the example of commanding officers of 
that post, a habit of dissipation. The habit of temper- 
ance which he thus earlliy acquired under the paternal 
guidance of General Wilkinson, has never been depart- 
ed from. 

In June 1793, he was appointed second aid-de-c&mp 
to Gen. W ayne 5 having hetn previously raised to a 
iirutcnancy. 

^^ In September, it being understood that the negocia- 
tions wit'.i the Indians had failed of effect and were 
?)roken off; the army consisting of four thousand five 
iiundred effective regulars, including some troops of 
(dragoons, and ©f an auxiliary force of two thousand 
iaounted militia under the command of Geo. Scott, 
narched to Grenville; but an early setting in of the 
frost rendering it advisable to put the troops into winter 
quarters, huts were built, and a system of discipline, 
'Calculated for the kind of warfare in which they were 
to be employed, was diligently put in practice. Here 
joung Harritton devoted himself to the study and prac= 
Hf^ce f>f Lis prqfef sion VTitli such f»;ccc»S; that Ke obtain- 



THE LATE WAR. 15^ 

ed the confidence of his comaiander and the attacliinent 
of his associates. 

" It was not, however, till the latter end of June, 
1794, that Gen. Wayne was enabled to nuirca from 
Grenville, the enemy retreating before him as he advan- 
ced. He took and destroyed the town of the Indians, 
and advanced upon the British fort at the foot of the 
lapids ot the Miann river. The Indians had collected 
in that neighborhood, and on the 20th of August oppo- 
sed the march of the American army, who soon routed 
them, and driving them to within a short distance o.f the 
British fort, encamped in full view of it. In this battle 
Harrison's conduct received the warmest applause from 
Gen. Wayne. He had been appointed by the General 
to assist in forming the left wing of the regular troops ; 
a task of extreme difficulty, owing to the thickness c^f 
the woods in which they were posted, and he accomplish- 
ed it with great skill and efiect. 

" Thus completely vanquished and humiliated, the 
Indians sued for peace 5 jn the winter an armistice was 
granted to them, and in the August following a treaty 
terminated all their differences, and with those, the war, 

" In the autumn of 1795, Mr. Harrison, now a cap- 
tain, was married to the youngest daughter of John 
Cheeves Symmes, Esq. one of the judges of the north 
v/estern territory ; and on the departure of Gen. Wayne 
for the Atlantic states, was continued by him in his post 
fef aid-de-camp, and left in the command of Fort W~ash- 
ington. In the former of these offices, he remained till 
the death of General Wayne, which happened in the 
course of the followinji; vear. 

*' In 1797, Capt. Harrison finding the country reposed 
in peace, left t,he army, and was in a few weeks after- 



I GO HISTORY OF 

wards appointed secretary of the northwestern ferritorj 
in the room of W. Sarjeant Esq. who was raised to the 
office of governor of the Mississippi territory. In the 
year 1799, he was sent as a delegate to congress from the 
north western territory, and had an active share in bring- 
ing through congress the law for changing the defective 
system that had been in use for the sale of public lands, 
and in introducing the plan now in operation. He was 
in fact the person who originated that measure, the 
happy effects of which upon the treasury of the United 
States are now acknowledged by every one : for it has 
been ascertained, that the immense growth of popula- 
tion which enabled that territory in a short time after 
to become one of the states and at this time not one of 
the smallest, arose altogether from that plan. 

« When the Indiana territory was formed out of a part 
of the north western, Mr. Harrison v/as appointed by 
Mr. Adams, the first Governor of it ; and in the year 
1801 removed to the capital of it (Vincennes) with his 
family. At the expiration of the three years for which 
he had been appointed, he was again nominated to that 
office by Mr. Jeiferson, and continued to retain it under 
Mr. Madison till he was called to the command of the 
north western army after the full of Detroit. 

« During his administration he directed his attention 
to the disciplining of the militia, and exerted himself 
in endeavoring to civilize and better the condition of the 
Indian tribes that fell under his superintendance. In 
his letters to Gov. Scott of Kentucky, which have been 
published, and in his speeches to the Indiana Legisla- 
ture, he strenuously recommended the system of the old 
republics, under which military instruction was com- 
.inenced at school. Inconsequence of that recommen^ 



THE l4^\TE WAR. IG* 

dation tlie United States gave a section of each to'^vn- 
ship of Indiana for the use of schools, and an entire 
township near Vincennes towards the establishment of 
a college, for the express purpose of military institutions. 
Of this anxiety to secure the Indians from inquietude 
and the aggressions of the whites, to promote their civil- 
ization, and to induce them to raise domestic animals 
as a substitute for the wild game which wsls rapidly de- 
creasing, his speeches and messages to the legislature of 
Indiana bear abundant testimony ; while the many ad- 
vantageous treaties he made with them prove liis popu- 
larity with that singular race of beings. But a still 
stronger proof is this : A few of the party attaclied to 
the prophet gave out that the tribes who signed the trea- 
ty at fort Wayne in 1809, were overawed by a large 
force into that measure, contrary to their inclination?. 
This was a foul aspersion : for the trutli has been estab- 
lished beyond controversy, that at the time of negocia- 
ting there were no more than thirty soldiers along with 
Gov. Harrison, while the Indians amounted to mon^ 
than eighteen hundred ; and he was entirely in their 
pov/er, having slept at a house half a mile from the fort 
surrounded by multitudes of Indians. 

•' The civil administration of Gen. Harrison, as gover- 
nor of the territorv, thousjh not attended with sich 
splendid circumstances as his military achievements^ 
do him Ro less credit. His management of the territory 
obtained the universal applause of the people, and the 
unqualified - approbation of the general Government. 
One event of it, however, merits particular description, 
as well on account of its. important effects upon the 
public concerns, as of its serving to illustrate the char- 
acter of Qen, Harrison ; ^^ e .mean the expedition on 

e 



io3 HISTORY OF 

ilie Wabash, in tlie autumn of 1811, which ended in the 
victory of Tippecanoe. 

A confederation of Indians, under the command of a 
Shawanese impostor of considerable talents and great 
ambition, who passed for a pi'ophet, and by that means 
acquired vast influence and a powerful ascendency over 
thfe savages, had for some time excited the vigilance of 
tke Indian government, and at lengtli proceeded to such 
an alarming extent as to render it necessai-y either to 
hnng them to terms of definite accommodation by ami- 
cable treaty, or to reduce them by force of arms. Ac- 
cordingly, Gov. Harrison collected an army to go against 
tliem 5 and in order to avoid if possible having recourse 
to the sword, and to take advantage of the alternative 
of negociation, if the prophet and his people should 
feel disposed to an amicable adjustment, he headed tlie 
army himself. As he approached the prophet's town, he 
found it necessary to proceed with the utmost caution, 
not only to avoid an ambuscade which the treachery of 
llie enemy would have provided for his reception, but 
to procure an interview with them in order to learn 
their object, and open a negociation with their chiefs. 
The conduct of the Indians, as he advanced, not only 
justified but increased his suspicions, and suggested to 
iiim the expediency of keeping his men drav/n up in 
constant order of battle, and even of m.aking them sleep 
ready dressed and accoutred, to prevent their being ta- 
ken by surprise. During the whole of his last day's 
inarch, parties of the savages were seen continually 
in his way and hovering about the thickets on either 
side ; but every effort to speak with them was found 
inefiectual. When our army came near the prophet's 
iowB; an American Captain^ with a fla^ and an interpre- 



THE LATE WAR. 163 

ter, was di>patdied to rsquost a coufeieace but the 
Indians appeariiigon both his flanks, striving to cut him 
off, the captaia was recallefL and the Governor, fiudin"- 
every attempt to briHg the savages to a parley answered 
Avith contempt and insolence, re;>olved to encaiiipfortbe 
night, and in the morning to take some effectual means 
of opening a conference. At lengtli a person who was 
said to be of high estimation with the prophet came 
forward, expressed surprise at our troops having advan- 
ced go rapidly, and added tluat his chief V\ as given to 
understand, by the persons who had been sent to him a 
few days before, that the Governor would not advance 
to the prophet's town until lie had received an answ cr 
ti) his demands ; that his answer had been dispatched 
by a chief who accompanied back the Governor's mes- 
senger, but wlio had unfortunately missed tlie army by 
taking the road on the other side of the river. The 
governor answered, that he had no intention of attack- 
ing tliem until he should discover tlieir intentions ; that 
he would encamp on the Wabash that night, and on the 
next morning would have an interview with the proph- 
et. In the meantime he assured the man that no hostil- 
ity should be committ-ed on the part of tlie army. The 
chief seemed much pleased, and promised tliat the con- 
ditions should be faithfully reciprocated. 

'• That night the Governor encamped his army in line 
of battle, and ordered the troops, even when it was their 
time to lie down to sleep, to keep their accoutrements 
tn, so that they might on the slightest alarm, be ready 
for action without a moment's delay. They were reg- 
ularly called up an hour before day, and kept under 
arms until it was quite light. In the morning the gov- 
ernor arose himself at a little after four o 'clock; and 



1G4 HISTOIIY OF 

the si2:nai ior calling out the men would have been given 
in two minutes, when an attack was commenced bj the 
savages upon the left iiank of his camp. Only one gun 
(says the governor in his letter to the secietarj at war) 
was fired bj the centineisj or the guard in that direc« 
tion who made no resistance, but abandoned their offi- 
cer, and fled into the camps ; so that the first notice 
which the troops had of their danger was from the yells 
of the savages within a short distance of the line, but 
even under thosg circumstances the men were not 
wanting to themselves or to the occasion. Such of 
them as were awake or easily av/akened, seized their 
arms and took their stations — others who were more 
tardy had to contend with tlie enemy in the doors of 
their tents. 

Under all those disadvantages the men all took their 
stations, and governor Harrison mounting his horse 
rode to the place where the attack was commenced, and 
made such a disposition ot his forces as soon compelled 
t'le savages to repent of their treachery : they were 
driven before our infantr}^, at the point of they bayonet, 
and the dragoons pursued and forced them into a marsh 
where they could not be followed. In fine, they were 
routed in ail quarters, and completely dispersed by the 
valor and discipline of our citizens, and the very able 
dispositions of his forces made by the governor. 

The conduct of governor Harrison had before this 
event rendered him extremely popular in all the coun- 
try that lies upon the banks of the western waters. — 
And his prompt and decisive measures against the In- 
dians, which, by breaking up what was supposed to be a 
iormidable conspiracy against the peace and security of 
the inhabitants of the Indiana Territory, endeared him 



THE LATE WAR. 165 

still more to their heai-ts. The breaking out of the war 
with Great Britain, soon after enabled him to reap fresh 
laurels, and not onlj to raise himself still higher in 
their estimation, but to extend his popularity to all otli- 
cr parts of the union. 

The surrender of Detroit opened a wide field for th« 
display of Gen. Harrison's military talents. Tliis volume 
contains a faithful and authentic record of his services. 
For temperance and application to military duty he 
has few equals. His courage is unquestionable. He 
possesses a singular volubility of speech with a persua- 
sive but nervous eloquence. No officer ever had a finer 
voic^ Jor command. To his dependants he is humane 
and benevolent. 

We will conclude this sketch with an extract taken 
by permission from a letter of an officer of high rank, 
who served with Gen. Harrison, and was his associate 
in many a hair's breadth 'scape. 

It was Gen. Harrison's constant practice to address 
his troops, |)ersonally, believing it to be more effectual 
than the common mode of general orders. He never 
omitted an opportunity of setting his troops the exam- 
ple of cheei fully submitting to those numerous and severe 
privations incident to the carrying on of military opera- 
tions, in an almost tractless desert, and in the most 
inclement seasons. 

During the campaign on the Wabash, the troops 
were put upon half a pound of bread per day. This 
quantity only was allov/ed to the officers of ever3^ rank 
and rigidly conformed to in the General's own family. 
The allowance for dinner was unitbrmly divided 
between the company, and ;iot an atom more was per- 
mitted. In the severe winter campaign of 1S12-13, he 



166 HISraPvY OF 

ilept under a thinner tent than any other persoil, wheth- 
er ofticer or soldier ; and it was the general observation 
of the officers, tliat his accommodations might generally 
be known, by their being the worst in the army. Upon 
-^the expedition up the Thames all his baggage was con- 
tained in a valise, while his bedding consisted of a single 
blanket, fastened over his saddle, and even this he gave 
to Col. Evans, a British officer, who was wounded. His 
subsistence was exactly that of a common soldier. 

On the night, after the action upon the Thames, thir- 
ty-five British officers supped with him upon fresh beef 
roasted before the fire, without either bread or saitj 
and without ardent spirits of any kind. Wheth- 
er upon the march, or in the camp, the whole army 
was regularly under arms at day break. Upon no 
occasion did he fail to be out himself, however severe 
the weather, and was generally the first officer on horse- 
back of the whole army. Indeed, he made it a point 
on every occasion, to set an example of fortitude and 
patience to his men, and to share with them everj 
hardship, difficulty and danger. 



THE LATE M^AR. 167 

Indian Attacks and Massacres^ m 1812. 

IIASBACRE OF THE GARRISON OF FORT DEARBORK. 

On the 9th of August, 1812, Capt. Heald, who 
commanded at Fort Dearborn,* received orders from 
Gen. Hull, to evacuate that fort, and to proceed to De- 
troit by land. On the 13th, Capt. Wells, from Fort 
Wayne arrived with about 30 Miamies for the purpose 
of escorting tlic garrison. The neighboring Indians 
being informed of the intended evacuation, came in 
from all quarters to receive the goods in the United 
States Factory store, w4iich Capt. Heald was authorised 
to distribute among them ; he gave them the goods and 
a quantity of provisions, but destroyed the surplus arms 
and ammunition as well as a quantity of liquor. The 
collection of Indians was large, but they conducted 
with the strictest propriety till after the garrison left 
the fort. 

On the 15th, at 9 in the morning, the garrison com- 
menced its march. A part of the Miamies were de- 
tached in front ; the remainder were in the rear as 
guards, under Capt. Wells. The situation of the coun- 
try rendered it necessary for them to take the beach, 
with the lake on their left, and a high sand bank on their 
right, at about 100 yards distance. 

They had proceeded about a mile and a half, when it 
was discovered the Indians v.ere prepared to attack 
them from behind the bank. Capt. Heald immedi- 
ately marched up with the company to tha top of tlie 

* This fort is situated on the soutli western shore of 
lake Michigan at the mouth of Chicago rivw. It is a 
place of considerable resort for the Pottcwattemief 
VViunebago and Otta^ay Indians. 



iC8 HISTORY OF 

bank, wlien the action commenced. After firing one 
round, they charged and the savages gave way in front 
and joined those on the flanks. In 15 minutes the 
Indians got possession of ail their horses, provisions 
and haggage of every description. The Miamies afford- 
ed no assistance, and many of the garrison had already 
fallen. Capt. Heald drew off the few men he had left, 
and took possession of a small elevation in the open 
prarrie out of the reach of the Indian fire from the bank, 
or anv other cover. The Indians did not follow but 
assembled in a body on the top of the bank, and, after 
a short consultation among themselves, made signs for 
Capt. Heald to approach them. He advanced towards 
them alone, and was met by one of the Pottewattemie 
chiefs called the Blackbird, with an interpreter. After 
shaking hands he requested Capt. H. to surrender, prom- 
ising to spare the lives of the prisoners. The captain 
did not put entire confidence in his promises, but thought 
it most prudent to comply with his request. After de- 
livering up their arms, the prisoners were taken back to 
the fort, and distributed among the different tribes. The 
next morning the Indians set fire to the fort, and left the 
place, taking the prisoners with them. 

The number of warriors was between four and five 
hundred 5 mostly Pottewattemies 5 fifteen of the In- 
dians were killed. The Americans, when the action 
commenced, consisted of 54 regulars and 12 militia ; 
out of which 26 regulars and all the militia were killed 
in the action, with two women and twelve children. 
Capt. Wells, Dr. Van Vorhees and Ensign Roman were 
among the killed. Exclusive of Capt. Heald and his 
ivdfe, who were permitted to reside a few weeks at St. 
Joseph's, 25 noncommissioned officers and privates, and 
eleven women and children were retained in captivity. 



THE LATE WAR. 169 



Oi 



Attack of Fort Ilarrtson.^ 



N the evening of Uie 3d of September, two young 
men who were making haj about 400 yartls from the 
fort, were killed and scalped. Capf. Tiiyloi' ^^'as at 
tlie same time informed by some friendly Indians, that 
the Prophet's party would soon arri^'e for the purpose of 
commencing hostilities. Late in the evening of tlie 4th5 
between 30 and 40 Indians, mostly chiefs, arrived from 
Tippccannoe with a white flag ; among whom were sev- 
eral women. A Shawanese, that spoke good English, 
informed Capt. Taylor that they intended to speak to 
him the next morning to get something to eat ! 

At reveille beating, Capt. Taylor examined the men's 
arms, and found them all in good order, and completed 
their cartridges to 16 rounds per man ; but he had noff 
been able for several days previous, to mount a guard 
ef more than 6 privates and two non commissioned 
ofricers. Indeed he had for some considered his post 
untenable, if vigorously attacked. He liad not fully 
i^covered from a fever, and was not able to be up muck 
through tlie night. Neverthelesshis measures were cir- 
cumspect. After tatoo he cautioned the guanls to l)C 
vigilant.and ordered one of the noncommissioned officers, 
as the sentinels could not see every [jart of the garrison, 
to walk around on the inside during the whole night, in 
order to prevent the Indians taking any advantage, if 
they meditated an attack. 

♦Thefoi-t stands on the Wabash about 150 miles 
above Vincennes, and was built in tJctober 181!. 






iro HISTORY OF 

About 1 1 o'clock, the Indians commenced their attack | 
and fired the lower block house. The handful of men 
were soon at their jjosts ; but the cry of " fire" pro- 
duced considerable confusion ; while a part of the gar- 
rison werp returning the fire of the Indians, the others 
were employed in endeavoring to extinguish the flames ; 
but before a sufficient quantity of water could be pro- 
cured, the fire communicated to several barrels of whis- 
key, and in spite of every exertion, the whole building 
was enveloped in flames. This blockhouse adjoined 
the barracks and constituted a part of the line of defence. 
The darkness of the night, the raging of the fire, the 
enfeebled state of the garrison, not more than 15 of 
whom were fit for duty, the cries of the women and chil- 
dren, the desperate prospect of defence, and above all, 
the yelling and howling of several hundreds of infu- 
liate savages, were sufficient to dismay the stoutest 
heart. To add to their misfortunes, two of the ablest 
men in the fort, and in whom the captain had full confi- 
dence, overcome by the terrors of the scene, jumped 
the pickets and left them. But Captain Taylor's pres- 
ence of mind did not for a moment forsake him. He 
saw that by throwing oft' the roof of the barracks which 
adjoined the blockhouse, and keeping the side wet, the 
progress of the flames would be checked, and he soon 
convinced his men that there m as still a chance to de- 
fend themselves, as they could throw up a temporary 
breast work across the breach caused by the burning of 
the block house, after the fire should cease raging. This 
inspired new life, and in tlie words of Capt. T. " never 
did men act with more firmness or desperation." Those 
that were able mounted the top of the barracks, others 
^red on the eneinj. The contiguotis roof was soon 



THE LATE WAR. ITl 

cleared away amid a shower of bullets and falling flakes 
of Hve. Dr. Clark v/as among the first upon the roof, 
and continued by his example to animate and encour- 
age the men during the whole period of the attack, 
which lasted seven hours. Onlv one man was killed 
and two wounded on the root The barracks were sev- 
eral times in a blaze and as often extinguished, and bcr- 
fore day they had raised a temporary breast work a^ 
cross the breach as high as a man's head, altho' the In- 
dians poured in a constant fire of ball and arrows the 
whole time. The garrison lost but two men killed in 
the fort, one on the roof, as before stated, and one who 
got into one of the gullies of the bastions and fired 
over the pickets, and called out to his comrads that he 
had killed an Indian, but neglecting to stoop down in^ 
stantly, he was shot dead. 

The two men who jumped the pickets gained nothing 
by flight. One was caught about 130 yards from the 
garrison and litterally hewn to pieces. The other had 
his arm broken in a most shocking manner, and return- 
ed to the fort a little before day. 

At day light our men began to fire with more effect, 
•which induced the Indians to withdraw beyond the 
reach of the fire of the fort, when they commenced 
shooting all the hogs, cattle and horses in the vicinity 
sf the garrison. On the 5th they entirely withdrew. 



i^3 HISTORY 0¥ 



Attack on Fort Belle FuCo 



F( 



ORT Belle YwQ is situated on the Mississippi, 
above the mouth of the Missouri, and is a very ineligi- 
ble situation for a Fort, as the parade ground can be 
S'vvept by 3ina.ll anns^and the for t is surrounded by chasms 
to within ti^n. or twelve paces of tlie pickets and block 
houses, which form complete hiding places and defences 
to a lurking savage foe. 

On the 5th of September 1812, at half past 5 P. M, 
the garrison v/as attacked by a party of V/innebagoes, 
consisting as v/as supposed of about 200 warriors. 
Thsy found but one man outside the pickets ; whom 
they instantly tomahtiwked. A con^jlant tiring on botii 
sides was kept up till dark, but with little effect. The 
next morning they renewed the attack, burnt several 
boats and began to throw fire on the block houses that 
stood near the bank of the river, but not sufficiently 
near to command t'n.e declivity of the bank. To counter- 
act the eflects of the fire, syringes were made of gun 
barrels, by which means the roofs v/ere wet so as la 
prevent the lire taking. In tlie course of the day, tlie 
Indians killed the live stock, burnt several houses and 
destroyed the corn. On the 7th they continued throwing 
fire brands on the roofs of the block houses. The 
morning being calm all their ingenious attempts to fire 
the roofs of the houses failed. The commandant oi the 
fort, Lieut. Thomas Hamilton, believing tliat the enemy 
was only waiting a favorable wind to set fire to the U. 
States Factory by which means the whole garrison must 
inevitably have perished in a general conflagration^ s^nt 



THE LATE WAR. 17$ 

a soldier with fire to the factory in the evening, and ia 
less than three hours that building was totally consumed 
without the least injury to the garrison. The Indians 
in tlie course of the attack, threw upwards of 500 pieces 
of burning timber on the roofs, besides discharging am 
innumerable quantity of arrows with matches tied to 
thera. On the Sthj they began to retire, after having 
had several killed, Not a man «f the garrison was hurt. 



1tr4 HISTORY OF 



Expeditions against the Indians of the- Tf^abash 

and Illinois* 

Early in September 1812, Gen. Hopkins with 
about 20€0 Kentucky and Indiana militia, marched from 
Vincennes against the Indians residing on the head 
waters of the Wabash. 

This army, which under an able commanderj might 
have achieved all the objects of the expedition, perform*" 
ed nothing more than a long and a tedious march. 

Although the troops were provided with excellent 
rations 5 although the season was fine, and the line of 
march crossed a country possessing great natural beau- 
ties, still the troops soon manifested a refractory spirit. 
Before they had reached Fort Harrison, great numbers 
had fallen off'. At this place the discontents had increas- 
ed to an alarming degree, and the men continueil to 
discharge themselves without consulting their officers. 

On the 15th of September Gen. Hopkins marched 
with his remaining troops from Fort Harrison, and con- 
tinued his route in a northern direction between 80 and 
90 miles, and a considerable part of the way over a 
prairie covered with tall dry grass. In this distance 
scarcely a vestige of the foot steps of a savage foe were 
discoverable. On the evening of the 4th day they en» 
camped on the prairie ; the atmosphere was clear, not 
a cloud was visible. But suddenly there ai'ose a gust 
©f wind more violent than any of them had ever before 
witnessed. Soon however the phenomenon was explain- 
ed by the rapid approach of an almost surrounding 
eceaa of ilre« Jadcedy the lurking savages had put ths 



THE LATE WAR. 17S 

"whole prairie in a blaze ; and the flames drove on them 
so furiously that in order to prevent being roasted alive, 
it became necessary to fire the grass immediately border- 
ing on the encampment. 

This formidable eRjrine of Indian annoyance deter- 
mined the whole corps to effect a hasty retreat, in which 
all discipline was either forgotten or disregarded. 

Thus perished, with the combustible grass of the 
prairie, the laurels of the General and the hopes which 
follov/ed the expedition. 

While Gen. Hopkins' army was retreating before th-e 
triumphant flames. Col. Russell of the 7th U. S. Infantry, 
Hiai'ched from Vincennes against the Peona villages en 
the Illinois. His force consisted of about 400 men. 
He advanced to within a short distance of the town 
unperceived, when he met an Indian who was shot dead. 
The town was immediately charged. Twenty five 
warriors were killed and several wounded Indians ; 
seven white scalps and sixty horses laden with Indian 
baggage were found in the village. The women and 
children had: on the onset of the attack, taken refuge in 
a neighboring swamp, to which the men flew for shelter 
after their defeat. Fortunately for our troops only 150 
warriors were found to oppose them ; nearly 700 had 
previously departed for the purpose of observing the 
movements of Gen. Hopkins. Col. Russell destroyed 
every thing in the town which he could not carry away>. 
and left it the same evening. 

On tlie 11th of November, Gen. Hopkins again march- 
ed from Fort Harrison. He ascended the east bank of 
the Wabash as far as Tippecannoe. The provisions, 
forage and military stores were conveyed up the river 
in 7 boats under the orders of Lieut. Col. £arbour> 



176 HISTORY OF 

They reached the Prophet's tov/n on the l9th of Novem* 
ber. The next he dispatched 300 men to destroy the 
Winnebago village lying on Ponce Passu creek. This 
party commanded by Gen. Butler, surrounded the place 
about break of day, but found it evacuated. The town 
contained at>out 40 houses, many of them from SO to 50 
feet long ; besides many temporary huts in the surroun- 
ding prairie. After this they destroyed the Prophet's 
town, which had been mostly rebuilt. Their next ob- 
ject was the destruction of the great Kickapoo village 
nearly opposite to Tippecannoe, on the west side of the 
.Wabash, This last town contained 160 houses and 
cabins, and shared the fate of the other villages. Great 
quantities of corn were found either in the houses or 
buried in the earth and covered with mats. Seven miles 
to the east on Ponce Passu creek, a party of Indiana 
attacked and killed a gallant soldier of the name of> 
Dunn. This induced a detachment of 60 horsemen^ 
under Lieut. Coh. Miller and Wiltox to go in pursuit of 
the Indians. The party fell into an ambiish and lost 18 
of their number in killed and missing. A fall of snow, 
the seventy of the weather and destitute state of the 
troops prevented further operations. The army return^ 
ed to Vincennes,. 



THE LATE WAR. , 177 



Events oil the Niagara Frontier in 1812. 

J^ANGOR, indecision, and a want of concert mark- 
ed the progress of military move'.nents on tlie Niagara 
frontier during the whole of 1812. The iirst event 
which drew the public attention to this quarter, was a 
successful enterprize executed against the brigs Adamg 
and Caledonia, which were cut out from under the guna 
of fort Erie, on the evening of the 8th of October. 

The letter of Lieut. Elliot to the Secretary of the 
Navy, will best detail the circumstances of this brilliant 
achievement. 

Black Rock^ October 9. 

Sir — I have the honor to inform you that on the 
morning of the 8th inst. two British vessels, which I wa* 
informed were his Britannic Majesty's brig Detroit, late 
the United States' brig Adams, and the brig Hunter, 
mounting 14 guns, but which afterwards proved to be 
the brig Caledonia, both said to be well armed and 
manned, came dov/n the lake and anchored under the 
protection of fort Erie. Having been on the lines for 
sometime and in a measure inactively employed, I deter- 
mined to make an attack, and if possible to get posses* 
hion of them. A strong inducement to this attempt 
aixise from a conviction that with these two vessels added 
to those which I have purchased and am fitting out, I 
should be able to meet the remainder of the British force 
on the upper lakes and save an incalculable expense and 
labor to the government. On the morning of their arri« 
val I heard that our seamen were but a short distance 
from this place, and immediately dispatched an express 
to the officers directing them to use all possible dispatch 
in getting their men to this place 5 as I had important 



178 HISTORY OF 

service to perforin. On their arrival, whicli was about 
12 o'clock, I discovered that they had only 20 pistols 
and neither cutlasses or battle axes. But on application 
to Generals Smith and Hall of the regulars and militia, 
I was supplied v/ith a few arms, and Gen. Smith was so 
good on my request as immediately to detach llfty men 
from the regulars, armed with muskets. 

By 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I had my men selected 
and stationed in two boats, which I had previously pre- 
pared for the purpose. With these boats, 50 men in each 
and under circumstances very disadvantageous, my men 
having scarcely had time to refresh themselves after a 
fatiguing march of 500 miles, I put off from the mouth of 
BuflTalo creek, at 1 o'clock the following morning, and at. 
S, I was along side the vessels. In the space of about 10 
minutes I had the prisoners all secured, the topsails 
sheeted home, and the vessels under way. Unfortunate- 
ly the wind was not sufficiently strong to get me up 
against a rapid current into the lake, where I had under- 
stood another armed vessel lay at anchor, and I was 
obliged to run down the river by the Forts, under a heavy 
fire of round, grape and cannister, from a number of 
pieces of heavy ordnance and several pieces of flying 
artillery, was compelled to anchor at a distance of about 
400 yards from two of their batteries. After the dis- 
charge of the first gun, which was from the fiying artil- 
lery, I hailed the shore, and observed to the ofncer, that 
if another gun was fired, 1 would bring the prisoners 
on deck and expose them to the same fate we would all 
share ; but notwithstanding they disregarded the cau- 
tion and continued a constant and destructive fire. One 
single moment's reflection determined me not to commit 
an act that would subject me to the imputation of bar- 
barity. The Cakdpoia had beea beached, ia as safe a 



, THE LATE WAR. 179 

position as the circumstances would admit of, under one 
of our batteries at Black Rock. I now brouglit all the 
guns of the Detroit on one side next the enemy, station- 
ed the men at them, and directed a fire which was con- 
tinued as lonjr as our ammunition lasted and circum- 
stances permitted. During the contest 1 endeavored to 
get the Detroit on our side by sounding a line, there 
being no wind on shore, with all the line I could muster; 
but the current being so strong, the boat could not reach 
tlie shore. I then hailed our shore and requested that 
warps would be made fast on land, and sent on board ; 
the attempt to all which again proved useless. As the 
fire was such as would, in all probability, sink the vessel 
in a short time, I determined to drift down the river out 
of the reach of the batteries, and make a stand against 
the flying artillery. I accordingly^ cut the cable, made 
sail with very light airs, and at that instant discovered 
that the pilot had abandoned me. I dropped astern for 
about 10 minutes, when I was brought up on our shore 
on Squaw Island ; got the boarding boat ready, had the 
prisoners put in and -sent on shore with dii ections fer the 
officer to return for me and what property we could get 
from the brig. He did not return, OMing to the difficul- 
ty in the boat-s getting on shore. Discovering a skiff 
under the counter, I put the four remaining prisoners in 
the boat, and with mv officers I went on shore to bring 
the boat off. I asked for protection to the brig of Lieut. 
Col. vScott who readily gave it. At this moment I dis- 
covered a boat with about 40 soldiers from the British 
side, making for the brig. They got on board, but were 
soon compelled to abandon her, with the loss of nearlj 
all their men. During the whole of this morning both 
$ides of the river kept up alternately a continual fire on 
the brig, and 59 much injured her that it was impossible 



no HISTORY Off 

to have floated bcr. Before I left her, she had several 
shot of large size in her bendsj her sails in ribbons, and 
rigging all cut to pieces. 

To my oiUcers and men I feel ufider great obligation. 
To Capt. Towason and Lieut, Roach of the 2d regiment 
of artillery, Ensign Prestman of the infantry, Capt. 
Chapin, Mr. John M'Comb, Messrs. John Town, Tho- 
mas Dain, Peter Overstocks and James Sloan, resident 
sentlemen of Biiflalo, for their soldier and sailor like 
conduct. In a woi^d, sir, every man fought as if with 
their hearts animated only by the interest and honor of 
their country. 

The prisoners I have turned over to the military. The 
Detroit mounted 6 six pound long gun*?, a commanding 
Lieut, of marines, a boatswain and gunner, and 56 men 5 
about 30 American prisoners on board, muskets, pistols, 
cutlasses, and battle axes. In bearding her I lost one 
man, one officer wounded, Mr. John C. Cummings, act- 
ing midshipman, a bayonet through the leg ; his conduct 
v/as correct and deserves the notice of the department. 
The Caledonia mounted two small guns, blunderbusses, 
pistols, muskets, cutlasses, and boarding pikes, 12 men 
including oiScers, 10 prisoners on board. The boat 
boarding her commanded by sailing master George 
AVatts, who performed his duty in a masterly style. 
But one man killed, and four wounded badly, I am afraid 
Inortall3^ I enclose ycu a list of the officers and men 
engaged in the enterprize, and also a view of the lake 
and river in the di Jerent situations of attack. In a day 
or two I shall forward the names of the prisoners. The 
Caledonia belongs to the N. W. Company, loaded with 
furs, worth I understand §200,000. 

With sentiments of respect, I have the honor to be, &c.- 

JE«SE D. ELLIOT. 



THE LATE WAR. 181 



Battle of Quecnstoxvn,^ 

HE events of the 13th October exhibit a strange 
assemblage of military folly, daring intrepidity, palpa- 
ble blunders and unavailins: courase. 

The official account of Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, 
as detailed in a letter to Gen. Dearborn, is as follows : 
« Head (luarters, Lewistown, Oct. 14, 1812. 

SIR — As the movements of the army under m}^ com- 
mand, since I had last the honor to address vou on the 
8th inst. have been of a very important character, pro- 
ducing consequences serious to many individuals ; es- 
tablishing facts actually connected with the interest of 
the service and the safety of the army : and as I stand 
prominently responsible for some of these consequences, 
I beg leave to explain to you, sir, and through you, to 
my country, the situation and circumstances in which I 
have liad to act, and the reasons and motives which o-or- 
erned me : and if the result is not all that might have 
been wished, it is such that when tlie v/hole ground shall 
be viewed, I shall cheerfully submit myself to the judg- 
ment of my country, 

* Queenstown is a pleasant village nine miles above 
Fort George and seven below the fails of Niagara. It 
is elevated more than 100 feat above the surface of the 
river, and is a place of depot for all the merchandize 
and public Stores destined for the Upper L»];es and 
tlie North West. The return trade also passes througii 
lliis village. The Portage fjom this place to Chippewa, 
is nine miles and a half. The transportation of proper- 
ty, is immense. The single article of Fu.:, mploys a 
great number of teams. Both bankb of the ^lagai-a, ex. 
hibit a beautiful scenerv, 

Q 



IS^ HISTORY OF 

In my letter af the 8th inst. I apprised jou that a cri- 
sis in this campaiga was rapidly advancing ; and that, 
(to repeat the saune words) " th^ blow must be soon 
struck^ or all the toil und expence of the campaign go 
for nothing, for the whole will be tinged with dishonor,''^ 

Under such impressions, I had on the 5th instant^ 
Written to brigadier general Smyth^ of the United States' 
forces, requesting an interview with him, major general 
jKall and the commandants of the United States' regi. 
ments, for the purpose of conferring upon the subject of 
future operations. I wrote major general Hall to the 
tame purport. On the 1 1th, 1 had received no answer 
from general Smyth ; but in a note to me of the 10th, 
general Hall mentioned that general Smyth had not yet 
then agreed upon any day for the consultation* 

In the mean time, the partial success of lieutenant 
Elliot, at Black Rock (of which, hov/ever, I have re* 
ceived no oiEcial information^) began to excite a strong 
disposition in the troops to act* This was expressed to 
ine through various channels, in the shape of an alter* 
Tiatire; that they must have orders to act'— or, at all 
hazards, they tvould go home, 1 forbear, here, com- 
inenting up<)n the obvious consequences, to me, person* 
ally, of loh^er withholding my orders under silch cir^ 
tumstances. 

I had a conf^reiiee with ^^ " ', as to the possibility 

K>f getting some person to pass over to Canada, and ob* 
tain Correct information. Oh the morning of the 4th, 
he wrote to me that he had procured the man, who bote 
iiis letter to go over. Instructions were givfen him ; hfe 
passed over — obtained such information as warranted 
an immediate attack. This was confidently communi» 
rM^d to sevp,rftl of my first officers, aad produced great 



THE LATE WAR. 183 

zeal to act ; more especially as it might have a control- 
ing effect upon the movements at Detroit, where it was 
supposed that general Brock had gone with all the force 
he dared to spare from the Niagara frontier. The best 
preparations in my power, were therefore, made to dis- 
lodge the enemy from the heights of Qiieensto\vn, and 
possess ourselves of the village, where the troops uiigho 
be sheltered from tlie distressing inclemency of the 
weather. 

Lieut, col. Fen wick's flying artillery, and a detach- 
ment of regular troops, under his command, were or- 
dered to be up in season from Fort Niagara. Orders* 
were also sent gen. Sm}'th, to send down from Buffalo, 
Buch detachment of his brigade as existing circumstan- 
ces in that vicinity, might warrant. The attack was to 
have been made at 3 o'clock^ on the morning of the 11th, 
by crossing over in boats from the Old Ferry opposite 
the heights. To avoid any embarrassment in crossing 
the river (which is here a sheet of violent eddies) expe- 
rienced boatmen were procured to take the boats from 
the landing below to the place of embarkation. Lieut, 
Sim was considered the man of the greatest skill for 
this service — he went a head, and in the extreme dark- 
ness, passed the intended place far up the river 5 and 
there, in a most extraordinary manner, fastened his 
boat to the shore, and abandoned the detachment. In 
this front boat he had carried nearly every oar, v.'hich 
was prepared for all the boats. In this agonizing di° 
lemma, stood officers and men, whose ardor had not 
been cooled by exposure through the night to one of the 
most tremendous north east storms, which continued^ 
unabated, for twenty eight hours, and deluged the whole 
^amp. The approach of day light extinguished every 



184 HISTORY OF ' 

prospect of success, and the detachment returned t© 
€amp. Col. Van Rensselaer was to have commanded 
the detachment. 

Alter this result, I had hoped the patience of the troops 
would have continued until 1 could submit the plan sug- 
gested in my letter of the 8th, that I might act under 
and in conformity to the opinion which might be then 
expressed. But my hope was idle : the previously ex- 
cited ardor seemed to have gained new heat from the 
iate miscarriage-— the brave were mortified to stop short 
of their object, and the timed thought laurels half won 
by the attempt. 

On the morning of the 12th, sucli was the pressure 
upon me froii all quarters, that I became satisfied that 
my refusal to act might involve me in suspicion and the 
service in disgrace. 

Viewing aiikirs at Buffalo as yet unsettled, I had im- 
mediately countermanded the march of general Smyth's 
brigade . upon the failure of the first expedition ; but 
having no.y detennined to attack Queenstown, I sent 
new orders to general Smyth to march ; not with the 
view of his aid in the attack, for I considered the force 
detacijed safficient, but to support the detachment should 
uie coaiiictbe obstinate and long continued. 

l^ieutcjnant colonel Christie, v/ho had just arrived at 
the Four Mile Creek, had late in the night of the first 
contemplated attack, gallantly offered nie Ids owa and 
his meii's services ; but he got my permission too late. 
lie now again caiii^ forward, had a conference with 
colonel Van Uensselaer, and begged that he might have 
ike honor of a command in the expedition. The ar- 
rangement was made. Colonel Van Rensselaer was to 
to command one column of 300 militia j and lieutenant 



THE LATE WAR. 185 

colonel Christie a columa of the same number of rcgu-^ 
lar troops. 

Every precaution vras now adopted as to boats, and 
the most confidential and experienced men to manage 
them. At an earlv hour in the ni;;ht, lieutenant colonel 
Christie- marched his detachment, by the rear road, 
from.Niagara to camp. At 7 in the evening lieutenant 
colonel Stranahan's regiment moved from Niagara Falls 
—at 8 o'clock, Mead's — and at 9, lieutenant colonel 
Blan's regiment marched from the same place. AUi 
were in camp in good season. Agreeably to my orders 
issued upon this occasion, the two columns were to pass 
over together ; as soon as the heights should be carried ^ 
lieutenant colonel Fen wick's flying artillery was to pass 
over; then major MuUany's detachment of regulars ;: 
and the other troops to follow in order, 

At"dawn of day the boats were in readiness, and the 
troops commeaced embarking, under the cover of a com- 
manding battery mounting two eighteen pounders and 
two sixes i The movement was soon discovered j and a 
brisk fire of musquetry was poured from the whole line 
of the Canada shore. Our battery then opened to sweep 
the shore ; but it was, for some minutes, too dark to di-- 
rect much Jire with safety. A brisk cannonade was 
now opened upon the boats from three different batte- 
ries — our battery returned the fire, and occasionally 
threw grape upon the shore, and was itself served with 
shells from a small mortar of the enemy's. Colonel 
Scott, of the artillery, by hastening his march from Ni- 
agara Falls in the nighty arrived in season to return the 
enemy's fire with 2 six poundeis. 

The boats were somewhat embarrassed with the ed- 
dieS) as well as with a sbpwer of shgt : but c<^loael Van 



18.G mSTORYOF 

Rensselaer, ^ith about 100 men, soon effected his land[- 
ing amidst a trcKienduous fire directed upon him from 
•very point 5 but to the astonishment of all who witness- 
ed the scene, this van of the column advanced slowly 
against the lire. It was a serious misfortune to the vai^ 
and indeed to the whole expedition, that in a few min- 
utes after landing, col. Van Rensselear received four 
wounds — a ball passed through his right thigh, entering 
just below the hip-bone — another shot passed through 
the same thigh, a little below — the third through the 
calf of his left leg — and a fourth contused his heel. This 
was quite a crisis in the expedition. Under so severe a 
fire it was difficult to form raw troops. By some mis- 
management of the boatmen, lieut. col. Christie did not 
arrive until some time after this, and was wounded in 
the hand in passing the river. Col. Van Rensselear 
was still able to stand 5 and with great presence of mind 
ordered his officers to proceed v/ith rapidity and storm the 
fort. This service was gallantly performed, and the en- 
emy driven down the hill in every direction. Soon af- 
ter this, both parties w^ere reinforced, and the conflict 
was renewed in various places — many of the enemy 
took shelter behind a stone guard house, where a piece 
of ordnance was now briskly served. I ordered the 
fire of our battery directed upon the guard house ; and 
it was so efTectually done, that with 8 or 10 shot the 
iire was silenced. Tlie enemy then retreated behind a 
large stone house ; but in a short time the route became 
;^eneral, and the enemy's fire was silfnced except from 
a one gun battery, so far down the nver as to be otit 
of the reach of our heavy ordnance and our light pieces 
could not silence it. A number of boats now passed 
^ver uTUttfioyed except froia the one vaisikaced gus. 



XIIE LATE WAI!» IgT 

For some time after I had passed over, the victory ap- 
peared complete : but in the expectation of further at- 
tacks, I was takin^^ measures for fortifying mj camp 
immediatelj—the direction of this service I committed 
to Heut. Totten, of the engineers. But very soon the 
enemy v/ere reinforced by a detachment of several hun- 
dred Indians from Chippavva — they commenced a f'lrious 
attack ; but they were promptly met and routed by tlie 
rifle and bayanet. By tliis time, I perceived my tr(>op& 
were embarking very slowly^ I passed immediately over 
to accelerate their movements f but to- my utter astonidi- 
ment, I found that at the very moment when complete 
victory was in our hands, the ardor of the unengaged 
troops had entirely subsided. I rode in all directions : 
lu-ged the men by every consideration to pass over — but 
in vain. Lieut, col. Bloom, who had been wounded in 
the action, returned, mounted his horse and rode through 
the camp ; as did also Judge Peck, who happened to be 
here, exliorting tlic campaaies to proceed — ^bu.t all in 
vain. 

At this time a large reinforcement from Fort George 
were discovered coming up the river. As the battery 
en tlie hill was considered an important check against 
their ascending the heights, measures were immediate- 
ly taken to send them a fresh supply of ammuni-tlon, as 
I had learnt there wei'e left only 20 shot for the 1 8 poun- 
ders. The reinforcements, however, obliqued to the 
right from the road and formed a junction with the In- 
dians in the rear of tlie heights. Finding to ray infinite 
mortification, that no reinforcement would pass over ; 
seeing that another severe conflict must soon commence ; 
and knowing that the brave men of the heights were 
^uitc exhausted ^and nearly out of ammuxution;- VU I 



188 HISTORY OF 

could do ^vas to send them afresh supply of cartridges. 
At this critical moment I dispatclied a note to gen. Wads- 
M'orth, acquainting liim with our sitiiation — leaving the 
course to be pursued much to his own judgment — with 
assurance that if he thought hest to retreat, I would 
endeavour to send as many boats as I could command, 
and cover his retreat by every fire I could safely make. 
But the boat* v/ere dispersed — many, of the boatmen had 
fied, panic struck — and but a few got oft'. But my note- 
could but little more than have reached gen. W. about 4 
o'clock, when a most severe and obstinate conflict com- 
menced and continued about half an hour, with a tre-- 
niendous fire of cannon, flying artillery and musketry. 
The enemy succeeded in repossessing their battery 5 
and gaining advantage on every side, the brave men 
who had gained the victory, exhausted of strength and 
ammunition, and grieved at tiie unpardonable neglect of 
their fellow soldiers, gave up the conflict. 

I can only add that the victory was really won : but 
lost for the want of a small reinforcement. Oiie third 
jiart of the idle men might have saved alL 

I have been so prest with the various duties of burying 
the dead, providing for the wounded, collecting the pub- 
lic property, negociating an exchange of prisoners, and 
all the concerns consequent of such a battle, that I have 
not been able to forward this dispatch at as early an 
hour as I could have wished. I shall soon forward you 
another dispatch in which I shall endeavor to point out 
to you the conduct of some most gallant and deserving 
officers. But I cannot in justice close this w ithout ex- 
pressing the very great obligation I am under to briga- 
dier general Wadsworth, colonel Van Rensselaer, col. 
Scott, Ueutenaut colonel^ Christie and Fenwick^ and 



THE LATK WAU. 18d 

captain Gibson. Many others have also behaved gal- 
lantlr. As I have reason to believe that many of our 
troops fleyJ to the woods, with the hope of crossing the 
river, I have not been able to learn the probable num- 
ber of killed, wounded, or prisoners. The slaughter of 
our troops must have been very considerable. And the 
enemy have suffered severely. 

General Brock is among tlieir slain, and his aid-de' 
camp mortally wounded. 

I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect and con» 
sideratioD, your most obedient servant. 

STN. VAN RENSSELAER. 
On tlie 25d of October Gen. Van Rensselaer gives the 
following additional particulars in the conclusion of a 
letter addressed to Gov. Tompkins. 

" I cannot in justice to my own feelings to merit, 
and to the service, close without noting to your excel- 
lency a number of officers whose conduct in the late 
action would have reflected great honor upon veteran 
soldiers and entitles them to the notice of your excel- 
lency and tlie gratitude of their country. 

" Bri^. General Wadsworth proved himself an officer 
" capable of commanding with promptness, coolness and 
decision, in all the vicissitudes of battle ; and though 
he was fortunate enough to escape wounds, scarcely a 
garment had he on, but bears more than one mark of 
honorable testimony. 

*' Col. Van Rensselaer was in the first boat, and the 
first man an shore ; in the mo&t gallant manner he led 
the van of tbe first column through a very-severe fire, 
and when four wounds prevented his proceeding, he 
gave his orders with decisive firmness, and they were 
effectually performed. Major Lush acted as his volun- 



19(i HISTORY OF 

teer aid, and his courage and conduct on the field wer6 
highly honorable to a young officer. 

" Lieut. Colonel Bloom was early in the action and 
tvhen a wound obliged him to retire from the field he 
persevered in efforts to urge on reinforcements. 

« Lieut. Colonels, Allen, Stranahan and Mead exert- 
ed themselves to get as many of their men as possible 
to the field, and faced the enemy to the last. 

« Major Spencer aid de camp to Gen. Wadsworth, is 
in all respects an excellent officer, and his conduct on 
the field was honorable." 

Thus for the account of General Van Rennsselacry 
which was written before he had an opportunity to corn-* 
municate with the officers who had shared the various 
fortunes of the day, and who alone were in possessiou 
of a knowledge of facts and circumstances sufficient tc^ 
furnish a correct detail. Major General Van Rensse- 
laer was rather the spectator, than the commander, of 
the movements of our troops. No event of the war is 
more involved in obscurity, than the battles of Queens- 
town. In order to throw all possible light on this dark 
subject, it will be necessary to give several distinct 
statements, even at the risk of a repetition. The fol- 
lowing extract from the journal of a Cayuga Captain of 
Militia, will furnish many interesting particulars.. 
Extract from the JcurnaL 

October 10, 1812, 4 o'clock P. M. Col. Bloom re- 
ceived orders from Gen. Van Rensselaer, to march with 
his Regiment for Lewistown, at 2 o'clock tlie next 
morning. 

October 11, at 2 o'clock A. M. Commenced our 
march, it had rained for some time before we had start- 
ed—having proceeded two and a half miles, we found it 



THE LATE ^VAR. 191 

impossible to go any further ; the rain was incessant, 
and the night extremclj dark — took our quarters in a 
barn ; at day light proceeded on our march ; we howev- 
er soon receivedorders to return to our camp, at Man- 
chester. Tlie ohject of this movement was to have at- 
tacked the enemy at day break, atQueenstown ; but the 
rain frustrated the plan. The rain continued all this 
day. 

October 12. Remained in Camp till 9 o'clock P. M^ 
when, agreeable to General Orders^ we commenced our 
march a second time for Lewistown, 

October 13. Arrived at Lewistown at 1 o'clock, A. 
M. Rested on our arms till 4 A, M. when orders were 
given for cressing the Niagara, and attacking the enemy ; 
arrived at the River, at half past 4 A. M. there were 
thirteen Boats at the river ; a detachment of our Regu- 
lars and Militia embarked. I was obliged to Mait with 
my company till they should return, which consumed 
nbout one hour. During this time we were exposed to 
the enemy's fire 5 several v/ere killed, one wounded at 
the water's edge. Only three boats returned ; in these, 
I embarked v.ith my company, and soon reached the op- 
posite shore. 

The Enemy's principal battery was taken by storm ; 
they fled precipitately. Gen. Brock however, soon ral- 
lied them, and led them to the charge ; our men fell 
back, but receiving a small reinforcement, faced about, 
and renewed the attack. Gen. Brock and his Aid, Col. 
McDonald, both fell, and the British troops now fled in 
every direction. About 11 o'clock A. M. the Canadian 
Militia and Indians h^ad collected in considerable force, 
^nd commenced on us a furious attack, but after a short 
<^nfli€t, were completely routed. 



192 lilSTORV OF 

Scarcely had we gained this second victory, when a 
large reinforcement of Regulars was seen to approach 
towards us from Fort George 5 they gained all their 
points about 4 o'clock, P. M. which were as follows :— 
Their light Artillery, consisting of five pieces, was 
posted on our right flank. Their Regulars in front of 
our line ; while their Militia and Indians were endeav- 
ouring to surround our left. Thus situated, Gen. Wads- 
worth called a council of war. It was deemed prudent 
that we should retreat to a better position. The ene- 
my immediately opened on us a heavy fire, which con- 
tinued for about half an hour, when w€ were compelled 
to surrender, prisoners of war. The Indians did not 
however directly cease. Several murders were com- 
mitted. One of our officers in particular, while in the 
act of offering his sword and commission to a British 
officer, and soliciting his protection, fell by the blow of 
a tomahawk. A number of our men, being determined 
not to surrender, plunged into the Niagara, intending 
to swim across ; some were shot, others drowned, and 
only three reached the American shore. We v/ere ta- 
l:en to tlie village of Queenstown. Feelling anxious to 
render some assistance to mv wounded comrades, I made 
application to return to the field of battle ; it was grant- 
ed. Capt. Hatt of the British Artillery, accompanied 
me. The first place we went to, was a small fiat on 
the margin of the river, where we first landed ; there 
lay 16 or 17 of our men dead ; the first two, however, 
that we came to, were wounded ; one of them expired, 
the other I removed to a log house, standing near : 
while thus employed, the Indians descended the bank 
near where I was, and cori.meuced the most unheard of 
cruelties, toinalmwking, scaj|)ing» and stiipping Uie dead 



THE LATi: WAU. 103 

<!bodies of tlie Americans. From this, we ascended the 
Jieights, which had been the principle scene of the ac- 
tion. The Indians had been here before us. It was a 
sight of horror ! and I have every reason to believe that 
some of our wounded had been brouglit to an «ntimclj 
end by these savage hell hounds. I asked Capt. Ilatt 
why the Indians were permitted thus to mutilate the 
dead bodies of our men. He replied, that it was agree- 
able to the Indian mode of warfare. The conversation 
then turned on the manner and result of the engage- 
ment. Capt. Hatt enquired " whether we had not in- 
tended to have made the attack on Sunday morning ?** 
Not wisliing to give him a direct answer, I ^ask^d him 
what reason he had for such a belief ^ He replied, 
that he was apprised of our movemcntak, and was readj 
for us. " But" continued he, '^ I suppose the heavy 
rain prevented you. I was a.^mii informed of your com- 
ing at the time you did ^ I took my positions accord- 
ingly, and hence you may account for the severe loss of 
your boats, in your first attempt to cross." After arri- 
ving at Queenstown, I was informed that the prisoners, 
(wounded -excepted) had been removed to Fort George. 
I wa-s ]mt in close confinement ; after haviiig reflectcil 
for s-ome time on the events of the day^ and what should 
fellow, I lay down on the fioor, having liad no rest for 
two nights before, and having been on my feet almost 
continually for 48 hours, I scon fell asleep and did not 
awake till next mornins:. 

The Indians had been lurking around the house all 
night, SM^earing vengeance against the Yankees fyr kil- 
ling 90 many of their warriors and relations. 

October 14. I had the mortification to behold froni 
sjij place of confiacmeut, the dead bodie* of the m^'i 
II 



194 HISTORY OF 

who had fallen the clay before, lying naked on the ground^ 
white with frost, food for hogs and dogs, which were 
actually running among them. They were, however, 
partially buried the next day, after which, I was remo- 
ved to Fort George. 

October 15. An Indian chief, who had been killed 
in the battle of the 13th, was buried with militaij 
honors. 

October 16. General Brock and Col. M'Donald 
were buried. The regular troops were this day sent to 
Quebec. 

October 17. The Militia were all paroled, and pas* 
Bed over to Niagara. 

The chief cause of the discomfiture of the American 
arms, in the attack of the enemy on the 13th, appears to 
have heen the neglect to provide a sufficient number of 
boats. To convey nearly SOOO men across a deep, wide 
and rapid stream, only thirteen boats were provided ; 
although a competent number were strewed along the 
road, but a few miles distant. 

Other causes operated adversely. The greater part 
of the troops reached Lewistown by forced marches, 
through heavy rains. A suitable quantity of ammunition 
had not been seasonably collected. When Colo- 
nels Stranahan and Mead's regiments arrived on 
the morning of the 13th, these officers immediately cal- 
led en the commanding General and informed him that 
their men were in no situation to go into an engagement j 
that having marched through an incessant rain, thejr 
were wet and fatigued ; that their arms were not fit for 
immediate use ; that they had not a supply of amunition^ 
and, that many were even destitute of cartouch boxes, 
^nd other necessary equipments. They wished to know 



THE LATE AVAR. 195 

if he could not delay the enterprize for a day or two, 
which would give their men time to make some prepa- 
rations, and assured him that in that case, they had no 
doubt but that their men would then generally volunteer 
to cross. The General being determined in his purpo- 
ses, replied that he should delay it no longer. They 
then applied for ammunition, and were directed to call 
for it at his quarters, one hour before day. They cal- 
led at the appointed time, but none had arrived. They 
were then told to call at sunrise. They called again 
and learnt, that a waggon had but just started for the ar- 
senal, some distance from the camp. When the sun 
was one hour above the horison, it returned with a scan- 
ty supply i 

A scene of confusion had commenced before one 
third of the troops were across. Of the small number 
of boats at first collected, some were sunk ; others ren- 
dered unmanageable, floated at random in the stream. 
Several of the boatmen were killed or drowned ; others 
became irresolute ; few could be found hardy enough to 
remain at their posts. 

Col. Van Rensselaer's early wounds, and the failure 
of colonel Chrystie's division of boats, to land at the 
point assigned them, by which he was also wounded, 
and the greater part of his command made prisoners, at 
ihe very oas'et of the attack, presaged the disasters of 
the day. 

The want of a common con-.mandcr on the Canadian 
side, was severely felt 5 for it is evident enough, that of 
ihe militia ofncers. General Wadsworth, Cols. Mead, 
Bloom and Stranahan were by turns commanders in 
chief. Col. Scott, principally commanded the regular 
troops 5 Rt tisaes, hov/everj Captains W00I5 Maicolm., 



196 HISTORY OF 

Armstrong, Ogiivie and Lieut. Ilandolph, independent* 
}j commanded their several companies. 

One of the enemy's batteries remained unsileneedj. 
during the whole day. It was situated a littie below 
Queenstown \illage, en the declivity of the elevated 
bank— -the eiTect of this battery was terrible, as it was 
admirably served, and at once, annoyed our men on 
the American side, and tlio boats as they attempted to 
cross. Major Olmstead of Col. Bloom's regiment of N. 
Y. militia, proposed to General Wadsworth, that if he 
■would furnish him 100 men, he would answer for the 
capture of that destructive battery. IJis request was^ 
refused, and perhaps with reason. 

The killed and wounded, were for a considerable parfc 
of the action, sent back to the American side, and placed 
in full view and hearing of the men who were waiting to 
eross. This spectacle added to the total want of con- 
cert, discipline and means to pass the river, was suf- 
ficient to determine, even a brave man, against a useless 
exposure of life. 

Another cause combined its disorganizing influence 
with the general fatalities of the enterprize. 

About one fourth of the detached, or drafted Militia, 
then upon the banks of Niagara, were the '' friends of 
peace,'^^ who felt constitutional scruples against crossing 
the U. S. frontiers, whetlier in pursuit of a British or a 
savage foe. It was in vain that general Van Rensselaer 
impressively appealed to the patriotism, the courage 
and pride of these benevolent disciples of peace. There 
M as indeed a few honorable exceptions ; but the greater 
part with stoical apathy, remained cold spectators of 
the sanguinary scene : for tliey came not to fight an en- 
WTftv, but to paralize the movements of our troops bj 



THE LATE WAR. I9r 

promulgating their new fanglcd notions of niiiitarr 
duty. 

The absurd policy of waiting for the enemy, till he 
shall have passed your frontiers, desolated your dwel- 
lings, plundered and burnt your towns and villages, 
ravaged your fields, debauched your women, and mur- 
dered your children, is of very recent discover), re- 
cognized by no government, practised by no people of 
ancient or modern times. 

It is impossible to foresee at what points, and at what 
moment an enemy may attempt his incursions. While 
you may expect him in one direction, he may assail you 
at another. Nothing tends more to diminish the num- 
ber or unnerve the energy of an army, than to place it 
m the passive and handcuff predicament of a corps of 
observation. Such was the army of Hampton in tlie 
autumn of 1813 ; and its achievements are character- 
ized by a want of energy and zeal. 

Of all the nations of the earth, the United States 
ought to be the last to adopt this suicidal policy ! Five 
hundred thousand men could not cover its wide extend- 
ed frontiers, if collected upon the borders, ^awaiting in 
apathy, sickness and death, the uncertain approach of 
an enemy, who, availing himself of his thousand ships 
of war, and numerous savage allies, could choose his 
time and point of invasion. 

The most implacable enemy to the independence and 
rising greatness of America, could not devise a system 
more destructive to her growth, more dangerous ta her 
existence. 

From this digression, it is time to return and conclude 
the details of this disastrous and illy advised action. 

The division of Col, Scott was placed in a battery on 



198 HISTORY OF 

the American shore; because there was no means pr©^- 
vided for conveying their artillery over the river. Ifc 
opened its fire with spirit and effect, at day break, un- 
der the direction of captains Towson and Barker. 

Col. Scott passed over about 8 o'clock in the morn- 
ing, having been ordered to take the command of the 
whole of the troops engaged. But General Wadsworth^. 
either with or without orders, had previously crossed, so 
tliat Col. Scott was obliged to conline his orders to the 
re|,ular troops, who amounted to nearly two hundred 
an<l fifty men. With this handful of heroes, he accom- 
plished all that valor could perform^ or skill devise ; he 
Avas constantly exposed. He was in full uniform, and 
of a gigantic stature ; of course a conspicuous mark for 
the skill of the Indians sjid Glengary sharp sliooters» 
He was advised by an oilicer, to lay aside his dress» 
*' No,^' said he smiling, " I will dk in my robes.*' Af- 
ter our troops had surrendered, an Indian came up to^ 
Col. Scoit, and attefitively surveying him, said, " You 
are not born to be shot— so many times" — (holding up 
all the fingers of both hands to count ten,)— " so many 
times I have levelled, and fired my rifle at you.-' 

Captain Lav/rence was dangerously wounded, and 
several others, killed or knocked down close by his 
side. 

The number of American prisoners,* militia and reg-» 
alars, surrendered, are variously stated, from 3 to 700. 

* Barnes of the Militia Officers, taken jtrisoners^ id th^ 
battle of (liieenstoivn, on the 'iSth of October, 1812. 

Brig. Gen, Wadsworth, and Maj. Spencer, his Aid. 

Sixteenth regiment. 
Lieut. Col. Stranahan, Lieut. Shepard, 

Major Holland, Houghton^ 

Capt. Pettigaie; -— — . Cully, 



THE LATE WAR. tm 

The accounts of the killed and ^wounued, are equally 
Taiiant. It appears evident ho^vever, that there was ne 
material difference between the British and American 
loss. An ofiicer who had the best opportunity to judge^ 
and who had a full view of the battle ground after the 
action, estimates the American loss at £00 killed, and 
400 wounded. 

Lieut. Smith, Ensign Denton* 

Ensign Peck, 

SEVENTEENTH REGI^IEXT. 

Lieut. Col. Mead, Lieut. Field, 
Capt. Bacon, Ensign Ilaight, 
Root, Sergt. Maj. Windsor- 
Lieut. Randel, 

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT. 

Capt. Cronk, Ensign White, 
Lt. Richmond, wounded. Kennedy, 

NINETEENTH REGIMENT. 

Oapt. Sutton, Lieut. Daniel?, 

— L- Eldridge, Theishler^ 

Barber, Holcomb^ 

. Ellis, Ensign Sperry, 

BrinkerhoiT, — — Cobh, 

Lieut. Price, W^aldrofl*. 

TWENTIETH REGIMENT. 

Lieut. Col. Allen, Lieut. Phillips, 

Maj r Smith , Pay Master Robison , 

Capt. Clark, Lt. Sweeny, woundetS. 

Brown, — > Loverhill. 

BATTALION OF RIFLEMEN. 

Capt. Bacon, Lieut. Wilson, 



L-eland, — Smith, 

Stanley, Ensign Ireland, 



liieut. Alexander, — — Bough ton, 
Gray, Sergt. Maj. Smith. - 

Adjutant Stafford, severely wounded, iCth Regt. 

The above mejitioned Regiments stand aa they w«rQ 



eOO HISTORY OF 

Many brave men fell on this disastrous occasion. 
The brave captain Nelson, fell on the American side of 
the river, just as he was stepping into a boat to cross. 
A grape shot struck him in the side ; he languished sev- 
eral days in the most excruciating torture, and expired. 
He had been several years in the regular service and 
possessed all the requisites of a good officer. 

Dr. Crosby, from Pliiladelphia, being on a tour of 
pleasure and observation on the Niagara frontier, and 
hearing of the preparations for a descent upon the Can- 
ada shore, rode to Levvistown and volunteered in Ma- 
jor Muliany's battalion. He was among the first to 
cross; many of his new comrades were killed by his 
f»ide, and his own musket shot away a little above the 
lock. After participating in most of the dangers and 
vicissitudes of the engagement, he was taken prisoner, 
when he assiduously applied himself to the care of his 
wounded countrymen. 

An officer of the N. Y. Militia, (Major Olmstcad) had 
in the course of the action, ascended a stump, for the 
purpose of observing the approach of a column — instant- 

ijumhered in tlie United States service ; all from the 
"Western District of the State of New York. 

JS^ames of United States^ Oj^cers, taken prisoners. 

Col. Scott, Lieut. Hugunin 

liieut. Col. Christie, Fink, 

' Fenwick, Carr, 

Major Mullany, — ^ Turner, 

Capt. Gibson, — Totten, 

McChesneyj ■ Baiiey, 



Ogilvie, — — Phelps, wounded. 

Randolph, Clark, wounded. 

Thearney, -^ McCarty, 

Sammons^ Ensign Reaver. 



THE LATE WAR. SOI 

ly, a cannon ball carried away his fu'indation and he 
fell, wounded bj the violence of the fall. 

The Indian Chiefs, who distinguised themselves ei- 
ther by their volor or their ferocity, were caresse-l and 
tapped on the shoulder by the British officers, afte tlic 
battle. 

Several Americans actually swam across fiom th» 
British to tlie American s^hore, notwithstanding, the 
>vidth and the rapidity cf the current. 

The motives* of Maj. Gen. Van Rensselaer for order- 
ing the countermarch of Brig. Gen. Smyth's Brigade, 
have never been satisfactorily explained. 

* To the editors of the National IntelH<2:encer. 
Camp near Bujfalo, JVc-t-. Stk. 1812. 

General Smyth has seen in the National Intelligencer 
the official letter of major general Van Rensselaer, res- 
pecting the affair at Queenstowu, and has observed 
that his name is twice introduced in a way tliatmay re- 
quire explanation. 

General V. Rensselaer says, " I had on t'le 5th inst. 
(Oct.) written to brig. gen. Smyth requesting an inter- 
\ iew with him, major general Hall, and the command- 
ant^ of the United States' regiments, for the purpose of 
conferring upon the subject of future operations." 

On the 3d of October, general V. Rensselaer ordered 
a court martial to be held at general Smyth's camp ; 
and on the 5th he addressed a note to general Smyth, 
requesting an interview upon the earliest day possible, 
consistent with the business of the court martial, and 
other indispensible duties. 

On the 8th, in tlie night, tlie attack was made »n the 
Adams and Caledonia. On the 9th, ia the morning, 
y^an. Smyth's brigade marched to Black Rock upon an 
alarm , and two of the regiments were up all that night. 
On the 1 Itli, at day light, the brigade, three companies 
excepted, marched for Lewiston ; and bavin* proceed- 
ed twelve miles throuirh the worst road and veather 
ever seen, returned, the order, bei >g countermaudedx 



mz HISTORY OP 



Further operations on, the Niagara^ in 1812< 



OOON after the battle of Qjieenstown, Brig. Gen. 
Alexander Smyth, became invested with the chief com- 
mand of the Army of the centre. The regular troops 
were considerably augmented, and a brigade of nearly 
2000 Pennsylvania detached militia, under the orders 

There vi^as no time between the 5th and the ISth of 
October, at which gen. Smyth, with the commanding 
officers of regiments, could have left the brigade, " con- 
sistent with the business of the court martial, and other 
indispensable duties." Nor would gen. Smyth have 
deemed it proper, without an order, to have left his 
brigade within three miles of an enemy, and gone,, 
with all the officers commanding regiments, a day'a 
journey, to repeat an opinion whicli he had already 
expressed. 

In another part ef his letter, general V. Rensselaer 
says, that on the morning of the 12th, " having now 
determined to attack Queenstown, I sent new orders to 
general Smyth to march ; not with the view of l\is aid 
in the attack, for I considered t-ie force detaclied suf- 
ficient ; but to support the detachment should the con- 
flict be obstinate and long continued.*' 

General V. Rensselaer did not on the 12th send or- 
ders to general Smyth to march. 

On the ISth, about 10 o'clock, A.M. general Van 
Rensselaer did send an order to general Smyth to 
march, which v/as received about 2 o'clock, P. 5l. and 
obeyed instantly. 

Mxtract of a letter from brigadier general Smyth, to 
major general V. Rensselaer, dated Buffalo, ^9th 
8>^pteTtiber, 1812. 
'**- Froni the dcgcriptioiv I have bad of the river be* 



THE LATE WAR. 20S 

r>rtrencral Tannehill, moved from Pittsburgh to Biiffa» 
lo, and arrived at Gen. Smvtii's Head Quarters, earlj 
in November in a state of disgraceful disorganization. 

About tlic 10th of November an animated proclama- 
tion from General Smyth to the " Men of New-York," 
and a spirited Circular Letter from Peter B. Porter, to 
his friends and acquaintances in the neighboring coun- 

low the Falls, the view of tbe shore below Fort Erie, 
and the information received as to tbe preparations of 
the enemy, I am of opinion our crossing should be ef- 
fected between Fort Erie and Cbippawa. It has there- 
fore seemed to me proper to encamp the United Statea* 
troops near BuiFalo, tbere to prepare for oftensive ope- 
rations. Your instructions, or better information, may 
decide you to give me different orders, which I will a-» 
wait." 

H. Quarters, Lewishn, Ocf. 12, 1812. 
SIR — -I have this moment received your letter of 
jesterday. 

To night I shall again attempt to cross the river, and 
attack tbe enemy's batteries on the heights of Queens- 
town. Sliould circumstances render it necessary to 
inarch your brigade, I will advise you tomorrow. "VVith 
great respect, I am, sir, your, obedient servant. 

S. V. RENSSELAER, 
Major General commanding. 
Brig. gen. Smyth, of the U. S. forces. 
P. S. Lieut, col. Christie has arrived with boats, &c<. 

U. Quarters, Lewistown, October 13, 1812 

GENERAL ORDERS. 

Brig. gen. Smyth will please to give orders for hia 
brigade to strike their tents and inarch to Lewistown> 
^with every possible dispatch. 

By order of maj.gen. V. Rensselaer. 

SOL. V. RENSSELAER, 

Jiid de campc 
"N. B. A postscript to the above says, '' the heights 
-cif Queenstown are carried ; and the enemy's firing ii 
ue&rly sikuced in every quarter." 



'^04 HISTORY OF 

ties, put in motion a great number of volunteers, anx- 
ious to join in the exnected invasion of Canada. 

On the 21st, at 5 oxiock in the morning, all the bat- 
teries at Fort George and its vicinity, opened a fire of 
hot shot upon Fort ^Niagara, which continued until after 
sun set. The buildings on the American side, were 
several times on fir«, but extinguished hy the exertions 
of the officers and men. A tremendous fire was return- 
ed. The following extract from the report of the com- 
manding ofticer, Lieut. Col. Geo. M'Feeley, will best 
afford the reader an adequate idea of this brilliant can- 
Honade. 

<' Several times during the cannonading, the town of 
Newark was in flames, but was extinguished by their 
engines — as also the center building in Fort George, 
Their messhouse and all the buildings near it Mere 
consumed. Captain M'Keon commanded a 12 poun- 
der in the S. ^E. block house, and distinguished 
himself by his usual gallantry and skill. Captain Jacks, 
of the 7th regiment militia artillery, commanded 
a G pounder on the N. block house, and together with a 
part of his own company, though placed in a situation 
most exposed to the fire of the enemy, maintaiiied their 
position like veterans. 

" Lieut. Rees of the 3d regiinent artillery had the com- 
mand of an 18 pounder on the S. E. battery^ which was 
pointed at a battery en barbette, mounting a 24 pounder, 
and also at Fort George ; several weU directed shots 
were made from this gun, which proved the skill of its 
commander. 

The orders given on the lOtli and IStb, for general 
Smith to march, were so timed, that he should not ar- 
rive to share in the honor of the expedition ; but trsiglit 
arii.7e in time to bear the responsibility of its ultimate 
failure. 



THE LATE WAK. )m^ 



■^' About 10 o'clock I^ieut. Rees had his left shoulder- 
bruised by a part of the parapet falling on him ; v/hici\,^ 
thougli it did not materially injure kiid, obliged hini to 
retire, and captain Leonard oT the Itt regime rit U. i^.^ 
artillery, at that moment arriving", lie took the coaimand 
of the batteiy for the remainder of the day. Lieut. 
Wendell of the Sd regiment a:tillery, had the cominand 
t)f an 18 and 4 poander on the vrest battery — ar^d Dr. 
Hooper of Capt. Jacks' company railitia aitlllery, had 
the command of a G pounder on the mess hoi:se. Of 
these gentlemen and their commands, I cannot speak 
%vith two much praise; they distinguished themselves, 
highly, and from their shot, ail of which was hot, tha 
tov.n of Newark was repeatedly fired, and one of the 
'enemy's batteries silenced for a time. 

" An instance of extraordinary bravery in a female (tiie 
Avife of one Doyle, a private of the U. S.' Artillery, made 
a prisoner at Qu-eensto\vn) I cannot pass over. During 
the mo^t tremendous cannonading I ha^e ever seen, she 
attended the six pounder on tlie old messliouse witli 
red hot shot, and shov/ed fortitude equaUing the Maid 
•of O: levins. 

'' lieutertants Gansevoort and Harris of tie Istregi- 
-rricut U. S. artillery iiad tlie command of t're !?ait But- 
-tcry at Wmugstown, motintiiig one IS ar.d a 4pov,nder. 
. The.-^c two gvus played upon tie garrison of ?ort v>eorgc 
and the buildings near it; from-everyobservatio]i I could 
i.iake during their lire, I am happy to say they merited 
ray v*arme^:t tiianks for their skill in the service of these 
•guns. Lieut luant Harris from his 4 pounder sunk a 
scliooner which by at their wharf; she was one of these 
taken by the eneiay at the mouth of the Genessce liver .^ 
"3 short time since. He al<o assisted in huruir.:; anjd 



S06 lIISTOtlY Of 

destroying tlie buildings near the wharf. These two of- 
ficers and their men, in the warmest part of the cannon- 
ading, having fiied awaj all their cartridges, cut up 
thsir flannel waistcoats and shirts, and the soldiers 
their trowsers, to supply their guns. 

*' I casnot say too much in praise of all the officers and 
soldiers of the artillery immediately under my observa- 
tion in this garrison ; they merit the thanks and esteem 
of their country for tlie defence of it, and 1 believe it 
ne.Ter sustained so sharp and continued a bombardment. 

'' The enemy threv/ more than two thousand red hot 
balls into it, and a numl^er of shells, amounting to more 
than ISO, only one of which did injury to our men. 

" Lieutenant colonel Gray commanded the artillery 5 
the unremitting attention paid to his duty, proves him 
an officer whose zeal and science do honor to himself 
and country : to this jrentleman I feel much indebted for 
i^\^ manner in which he acquitted himself. 

" To tlie officers of my regiment (particularly cap- 
tain Milligan) and the soldiers who assisted the artille- 
ry, and those employed in extinguishing the fires and 
carrying off ^-^^ killed and wounded, I am also much 
indebted ; they merit my warmest thanks. To Br. 
West of the garrison, Dfi Hugan ttf the 14th regiment 
U. S. infantry, and Dr. Craig^e of the 22d regiment U. 
S. inla,ntry, I oSer m.y thanks. They were employed 
during the entire day in the most critical duties of their 
profession." » 

Lieut. Col. M'Feigiey Speklcs in >ia,ndsome terms of 
iX\^ indefatigable exertions of Major Arniistead, of the 
U. S. corps of engineers^ in iextin^uifching the buildings 
fired by the enemy. 

The Americans lost elcT^ii killed and wounded ^ 



THE LATE WAR. 207 

that of the enemy was far greater, if the reports of de- 
serters are to be believed. 

On the 17th of November, General Smyth issued a 
second Proclamation, in which, he assured the troops that 
the time was at hand when they would cross the stream 
of Niagara, to conquer Canada, and to secure the peace 
of the American frontier. 

At 2 o'clock in the morning of the 9.7th, about SOO 
sailors and soldiers, under the command of Capt. King, 
made a descent upon the enemy's shore, opposite Black. 
Rock. They attacked and carried in the most intrepid 
manner, three different batteries. About 50 of the en- 
emy were made prisoners, among whom were two of- 
iicers. Five Americans were killed and about .'^O woun- 
ded ; among the former was sailing master Watts ; 
among the wounded v/as captain Dox. Several British 
artillery horses were destroyed and two houses con- 
taining military stores burnt. 

At sunrise, Capt. Sproul of the 15th Infantry, return- 
ed with the prisoners, and informed that the enemy had 
fled to Chippewa, and that Captain King was waiting on 
the British side, with only 30 men, for the army to cross. 

Colonel AVinder commanded the van : his troops to 
the number of SOO were in readiness 5 they gave three 
cheers and marched into the boats, which had been col- 
lected at the navy yard, which is nearly abreast the cen- 
ter of Squaw Island. At this point there were batte- 
ries that completely commanded the Britisli shore. 

The success of a campaign often turns on the smal- 
lest pivot. Below Squaw Island, we have no bat- 
tery. It was obvious to several intelligent officers-, 
that if the boats put off at the lovv-er end of tliis island, 
there v.ould be lio battery to cover their descent, liC- 



^03 HISTOP.V OF 

cause the width and strerrth of the stream would ne* 
eessaiilj carry them two or diree miles belsvv the ene* 
inj's batteries opposite Black Rock, which had been 
captured bj Capt. King's party. 

It was in vain that they renjonstrated with Colonel 
Winder aG;?angt starting so far below the protecting bat- 
teries, lie replied, '^ follow oie." The boats then put 
oft', not in order like p. military troop in column, in line 
or in file, but in wild disorder. When a little moie 
than half acroas the river, the enemy hove in F»igiit in 
quick march, in d^llance of the exertions of the boat- 
men, the current hurried tlic boats directly towards the 
nmmy, v.ho owing to the irregular and conFiiscd slate 
of the boats had a fine opportunity to cut them up in de- 
tail, as, they attempted to land. Col. Winder's boat 
being lighter than the rest, he vv^as enabled to keep high- 
er up the Si: eani ai?.d did not discover the enemy uatit- 
he had landed. Gr* perceiving the enemy, he ordered a 
general retreat, Lieut. Col. Ikerstler, I am assured 
by a correspondent, actually seized an oar to accelerate 
his £ight. A part of the boats had landed before the 
enemy commenced their fire ; a part had not reached 
the shore. Lieutenant Burr was for a while the virtual 
comniander of the party, for seizing a musket himselfj, 
lie fired on the Qiieray and was the first to give orders 
for the troops to fire. About 15 were killed or mortal- 
ly wouaded in the boats. Among the wounded was 
Capt. Lane and Lieut. Burr, Ensign Wetmore of the 
9.^A lc?t his right arm. 

Winder's detachment returned to the navy vard, and 
at 13 oVluck the v/liole army were collected in the 
boats 5 but a council of war determined against crossing.* 

* The following documents will illustrate more fully 



THETiATEWAR. 200 

And thus were blasted the hopes of the nation and the 
laurels of the unfortunate Smyth. 

the causes of the failure of the long menaced invasio:i 
of Canada. 

TO THE PUBLIC. 

In the BufiTaloe Gazette of last week, I promised to 
give an account of some of the most '^ prominent tran's- 
actions of the 28th November and Urst of December." 
Having, since that time, received from Gen. Smyth, as- 
surances, which, as a man of honor, I am bound to be- 
lieve, that the course pursued by him on these days, was 
such as was required by his orders and instructions 
from the Secretary of War, and Gen. Dearboni, this 
communication v/ill assume a character quite diiferent 
from the one then contemplated. I am pledged, however, 
to the public, to give facts, which I shall proceed to do 
■without comment ; leaving it to time to develope the ob- 
ject of military movements which have appeared to me 
and others not only extraordinary, but inexplicable. 

On the 27th of November, there were collected at this 
point a military force of about 4,500 effective men ; con- 
sisting of regular troops, New-York, Pennsylvania and 
Baltimore volunteers, all under the command of Gen. 
Smyth. 

There were lying at the Navy -Yard near Black Rock, 
which had been previously prepared for the purpose of 
transporting the troops across the river, 

70 public boats calculated to carry 40 men each, 2800 

5 long boats belonging to individuals, but which 
had been taken into the public service, calcula- 
ted to carry 100 men each, 500 

10 scows for artillery, and 2.5 men each, 2o0 

Besides a number of small boats, 



$.550 
At two o'clock on that day? I received a copy of Gen. 
Smyth's order for the march of all the troops, th.e: suc- 
ceeding morning at reveille, to the navy yaid, to ern- 
barlf for Can.id?.. I ir.imediate'ty i^avc orcleis for tr^.e 
S 5 



!B1© HISTORY OF 



Biographical Notice of CoL B, ilit Johnson. 



V^OL. R. M. Johnson, is the son cf Robert John- 
son, a respectable farmer, anil one Of the first settlers 
of Kentucky. 

The subject of this notice was born, as it were, on 
the field of battle 5 for at the time of his birth, Ken- 

New-York volunteers who had been placed under my 
command, to parade at 4 o'clock in the morning at their 
encampment about one and a half miles from the navy 
yard. In the evening, I learnt that the parties mention- 
ed in Gen. Smyth's dispatch, were to cross the river at 
11 o'clock at night, to attack the enemy's batteries op- 
posite Black Rock. Gen. Smyth not being here, I wait- 
ed on Lieut, \ngus and suggested to him the propriety 
(if within the scope of his orders) of postponing the en- 
terprize until nearly morning, to give as little time 
as possible, befor'e the passage of the army, for the ene- 
my's troops to collect from their stations down the riv- 
er. They landed at three in the morning, under a 
severe fne of musketry, and grape shot from two pieces 
of flying artillery. Lieut. Angus, with our little band of 
sailors, assisted by Captai^ Craig and a few of his party, 
attacked the principal force of the enemy, consisting of 
about 100, at the Red House (the seamen charging wit'ii 
their pikes and swords against muskets and bajonets) 
and routed them in all directions : Capt. Box, who took 
a distinguished part in this aftair, was severely wound- 
ed, after a hard and destructive engagement, the enemy 
was completely dispersed, the two field pieces spiked, 
and the house in which the enemy quartered, fired ; the 
seamen returned to our shore, bringing otF their wound- 
ed and several prisoners. Out of 12 naval officers who 
embarked in this enterprize, nine of them, with more 
than half their menj y/ere killed or wounded. If brav§- 



TilK LATE WAil. £it 

lucky was one continued scene (.f savage v/arfai c. His 
cradle was surrounded with pei il and disTiGultitM. While 
an infant, and when his fiither was absent in Virginia 
on business, he v/as in a feeble and shattered Fort, fil- 
led with women and clilldien, defended by only SO 
men, against the furious assaults of 500 Indian warriors. 

rj be a virtue — if the gratitude of a country be Hue to 
those who gallantly and desperately asserted its ri >hts, 
the government will make ample and honorable pro\is- 
ion for the heirs of those brave tars who fell on this oc- 
casion, as well as for tho^e who survived. Capt. Kir.^ 
proceeded to spike and dismount the guns in the batte- 
ries. Lt. Col. Bcerstier dispersed the enemy lower 
down the river, taking a number of prisoners. 

By sunrise iu the morning, most of the troops had ar- 
rived at the place of embarkation, and the day was line. 
I marched 300 of the volunteers, who had rallied under 
Gen. Smyth's invitation, well armed and provided, and 
in higli spirits : about 150 more, who cam.e in the even- 
ing before, were at Buffalo drawing their arms and am- 
munition, with orders to join us as soon as possible. I 
stationed my men as instructed by Gen. Smyth, in a 
iield at the navy yard, with directions to v.ait for fur- 
ther orders. The parties who had crossed in the night, 
aided by our batteries, wlilch at day light opened a pow- 
erful and well directed fire, and a piece of flying artil- 
lery on the island, under charge of Capt. Gibson, had 
driven every thing from the opposite shore : Col. AA in- 
der, an officer of great intelligence, z.eal and bravery^ 
under tlie mistaken apprehension that the party under 
Lieut. Col. Boerstler were in daufrcr cf bcini^; cut off, 
made an unsuccessful attempt (t'nougli his ownboat land- 
ed) to land 250 men at a diit.cult ])oint down the river, 
and had returned as stated by Gen. Smvth. The gen- 
eral embarkation now commenced, hut it went on sa 
tardily, that at twelve o'clock, the whole of the regular 
troops, and Col. Swift's regiment, were not in boats. A 
considerable number of bow^ts vt'cic lying on the shores 



21S HISTORY OF 

At this period no one was exempt from danger : fre- 
quently the red savage would rush from the thicket and 
dispatch the defenceless laborer, bearing away his scalp 
in triumph, befor,e succoring friends could interpose to 
avert the fatal stroke. The inhabitants were obliged to 
dwell in stockades, and cultivate their fields in armed 

of the river and cretek, having been thrown up by the 
high water of the preceding u^^j. Several were in the 
creekhalf filled v/ith water and ice. I called on Gen. 
Smyth and proposed to occupy part of ih^^.^ boats with 
iny volunteers, many of whoin wrre impatient to em- 
bark. Being however at this moment informed by Col. 
Porter, that the boats which h?.d been used by Col. Win- 
der w^ere lying about a mile b -low, Major Chapin and 
myself, with about SO men, vent down the shore, bro't 
up five boats, filled them wit'} men, and arrivetl at Black 
Rock, the point at which it was proposed to put off, as 
soon as any of the rwgular troops. About two o'clock, 
all the troops which it appeared were intended to be 
crossed at first were collected in a group of boats at 
Black Rock under the cover of our batteries. I have na 
official account of the number of men in the boats at 
Black Rock, under the cover of our batteries. I hav-e 
seen no official account of the number of men in the 
boats. My opinion M-as that the number exceeded 
2,000. Most men of observation who were present, es- 
timate it at i-ZyGOO. The men were in fine spirits, and 
desirous of crossing. 

Gen. Tannehiii's voluuteers, Col. G. M'Clure's regi-- 
ment, some riflemen, cavalry- &.c. amounting to about 
g,000 were all paraded on the shore, and, as I am in- 
formed, were ready to cross. Several boats of sufiicient 
capacity to carry about lOCO men, were still lying at 
the navy yard unoccupied. I have not been able to 
leai-n that any order or request was made for the em- 
barkation of the troops other than the regulars, of CoL 
Swift's regiment. The enemy, estimated at about 500, 
were drawn up in a iii38 about half a mile from the 
rive*. 



THE LATE WAR. 213 

bodies — some performing the labors of agriculture, 
while others were posted as sciitiiieli or patroled in 
quest of the lurking (oc. It was thu.i that tlie incom- 
parably fine country situateil between tliC declivities of 
the AUeglieny and the Ohio, was first settled. 

His early years were distinguished by the boldness 

After remaining in the boats till late in the afternoon, 
an ordei* was received to disembark. It produced 
among the o^lcors and men generally great dis content 
and murmuring, whicli wa.?, however, in some degree al- 
layed by assurances that the expedition was only post- 
poned for a short time, until our boats could be better 
prepared. 

On Sunday another order was issued by General 
Smyth, for the march of the troops to the navy yard, to 
embark at 9 o'clock on Monday morning. I was at Buf- 
falo when it was received, and found that it was gener- 
ally, as to time and manner, disapproi'ed by the otiicerj 
of the volunteers. I saw Gen. Smyth, in the evenings 
at Black liock, with Col. ^Vinder, and ;,tated my objec- 
tions to his plan. The enemy had lomounted his guns 
on the batteries, so aS to re.ider it inexpedient to cross 
at the favorable point which bad been taken on Satur= 
da}'", above the^ island that covers the navy yard. Im- 
mediately below the island, the enemy lay in force, 
much augmented in consequence of the affair of Satur- 
day, occupying a line of shore of about a mile, where 
the current is rapid, and the banks abrupt. I did not 
))elieve it possible to effect a landing with raw troops, in 
any tolerable order, if at all, in the face of the fxying ar- 
tillery and uifantry, uhich a full view of our movements 
in the day time would enable them to oppose us. I 
proposed to postpone the expedition to night — to march 
and embark tliC troops silently— to put o;f about an hour 
and a half befoie day lighi:, so as to pas:> this dangerous 
line of shore in the dark, wiien we slmubi sufler less 
from their Hre, and to land about 5 miles belov,' the na- 
vy yard, where the stream and tlic banks of tlie river 
were peculiarly favorable to a safe and orderly landing. 



214 HISTORY OF 

of his enterprizes, and an extraordinary perseveraticd 
in their execution. His scholastic opportunities for the 
first 15 years of his life, were limited. At fifteen, he 
left his father's house, for a country grammar school, 
having left behind him a character for industry and man- 
agement, which produced in his father some reluctance 

Col. Winder seconded my proposals with great earn- 
estness and force — and it was adopted. The army was 
to embark at 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning, and to pro- 
ceed at half past 4, according to the order of a line of 
battle submitted a few days before, by General Smyth — 
the regulars on the right, or in the front boats ; Gen. 
TannehiU'3 troops in the center, and the New York vol- 
unteers on the left. I was to go in the front boat with 
SL chosen set of men, direct the landing, and join the 
New York voluiiteers on their arrival. 

On Monday evening, se^en boats for Col. Swift's reg-. 
iment, aud eight for the late volunteers, were brpught 
some distance up the river, and left at different points, 
to avoid the noise and confusion of embarking the whole* 
army at one place. At half past 3 on Tuesday morning, 
the eight boats were filled with volunteers (a corps of 
which has, on every occasion while on the lines, &howu 
great exactness of discipline, promptitude and zeal for 
the service) had embarked, and t'ne residue embarking. 
Not a man of the regular infartry was in the boats for 
about half an houi-, when Col. Winder's regiment enter- 
ed their boats with great order and silence. 

About three quarters of an hour after this, the remain- 
ing regulais commenced the embarkation, when I drop- . 
ped down to the front of the line, with a flag in my boat, 
to designate it as the leading boat. I was accompan- 
ied by Majors Cyrenus Chapin, and John W. Macomb, 
Capt. Mills of the cavalry^ Adjutant Chace, and Quar- 
ter Master Cl^apin, tvv'o pilots and about 25 volunteers 
of Buffalo, under Lieut. Haynes.. 

I mention the names of these gentlemen because they 
had before decidedly objected to passing at the propo- 
sed point by day light, but when day appeared, aud one 



THE LATE AVAT^. tl5 

at his departure. Nor did his friends seem to encour- 
age any course of education that would lead to a pro- 
fessiona' pursuit. However, after four years spent in 
alternate study and attentions tc his father's business, 
he co'Timenced the practice of law, being then only 19 
years of age. 

©f the men raised some d'ifRculty on that account^ he was . 
induced to remain, and it was i.RanimoTisly agreed to 
incur the additional hazard, and patiently wait the or- 
der of the General to put oft'. At day light we discov- 
ered the troops disembarking, an 1 were informed that 
the invasion of Canada had been abandoned for this sea- 
son, and that the troops wei-e ordered to winter a "art-yrs. 
A scene of confusion ensued, which it is difiic .^ii (O des- 
cribe. About 40GO men, without order o. iiiraint, dis- 
charging their muskets in every di ^rt v/n. 

About one thoUvSand volunteers c:iine in under Gen. 
.Smyth's proclamation, but owing to the state of the roads, 
w^hich was bad beyond example, many did not arrive un- 
til after the first of December. 

It is impossible for me to form any estimate of the 
number of troops embarked at any time this morning ; 
it was yet scarcely light, and I v/as at one end of a line 
of boats occupying a distance of half a mile. ^V hen the 
volunteers first arrived at the navy yard, and it was 
found that the regular troops had not >et appeared, 
their officers were instiucted to permit them to land and 
keep themselves warm by exercise, as the boats were 
covered widi snow whicii liad fallen during tlie night ; 
but they were instriu ted not to leave the side of tlie 
boats, that they might immediately ijeenter. 

PETER B. PORTER. 

Black Bock, December 14, 1812. 

Head quarters, Catvp near Buffalo, Bee. S. 
Gentlemen — Your letter of the 2d December is be- 
fore me, and I answer it in the folio wine; manner : 
X)n the 26th October, I ordered that 20 scev/s t^ould. 



t\6 H [STORY OF 

He entered upon the theater of public life at twentj 
two, and has never been out of civil ereploy a single 
day since. After serving two years in the Kentucky 
legislature, he was elected ^ member of congress, in 
Tvhic]] capacity lie has served the last seven yeais. His 
vote has always been found on the side of his country. 

* -be prepared for the transportation of artillery and cav- 
alry, and put the carpenters of the army upon that duty. 

By the 26th of No .ember, 10 scows were completedj 
and by bringing somii boats from Lake Ontario, above 
the falls of Niagara, the number was increased to 70. 

1 had on the 12th November, issued an address to the 
men of New-York, and perheps 300 had arrived at Buf- 
falo. I presumed that the regular troops, and the vol- 
unteers under colonels Swift and M'Cliire, vould fur^ 
Tiish 2360 men for di}ty ; and of Ge>i. TannehilPs brig- 
ade from Pennsylvanhi, reporting a total of lG50,as many 
'as 412 had volunteered to -cross into Canada. My or- 
*ders were to "cross with 5000 men at once." I deem^ 
■ed myself ready to fuliii them. 

Preparatory thereto, on tlje night of the Srth of No- 
Yeniber, i sent over two parties, one under iieut. colo- 
nel Bo:rstler, the other under Capt. Kirg, with whom 
laeut. Angus, of the navy, at the head of a body of sea- 
men, united. The iirst v. as to capture ae:uard and des- 
trov a brid2;e about 5 nnles below Fort Eric : the second 
party were to take and render useless the cannon of the 
enemy^s batteries, and some pieces of light artillery. 
The first party fpiled to destroy the bridge— the second, 
after rendering unserviceable the liglit artillery, separa- 
ted by misapprehension. Lieut. AngUw', tlie sean^.eu, 
and part of the troops, returned, Vvith all the boats, wliile 
Cnpt. King, Capt. ^I organ, Capt. fcf^proul, Lieut. Hous- 
ton, and about 60 men, remained. The paity thus re- 
duced, attacked, took, and rendered unserviceable two 
'of the enemy '& batteries, captured 54 prisoners, found 
two boats, in \\hich Capt. King sent the prisoners and 
W'howi half his party with the other officers: he him^ 



, THE LATE WAR. Qit 

His speeches are replete with manly Cioq\icnce> paiiolic 
sentiment, and persuasive reasoning. 

After voting for tlie declaration of war sgaini5t Great 
Firitain, he raised a battalion of mounted volunteers, 
which was ultimately augmented to a ies;iment, and 
from a private in the ranks he became tlie cliief of the 

self remained with SO men, whom he would not aban- 
don. 

Orders had been given, that all troops in the neigh- 
borhood should march at reveille, to the place of em- 
barkation. A part of the detachment sent in the night 
returned and excited apprehensions for the residue, about 
250 men, under the command of Col. Winder, sudden- 
ly put off in boats for the opposite shore ? a part of this 
force kad landed, when a force deemed superioi> with 
one piece of artillery, was discovered; a retreat was 
ordered, and Col. Winder's detachment suffered a log's 
of 6 killed and 19 wounded, besides some ofiicers. 

The general embarkation commenced as the troops 
arrived — ^but this, being a first embarkation, tlie' whole 
of the scows were occupied by about one thirC of the ar- 
tillery, while about 800 regular infantry, about ^00 
twelve months volunteers, tinder colonel Sv.ift, and 
about 200 of the militia who had volunteered for a few 
days, occupied all the boats that were rea(\^v. The 
troops then em.barked, moved up the streani to IJlack 
Rock without loss, tiiey were ordered to disembark and 
dine. 

I had received from my commanding general an in- 
struction in the following words — '• in all important 
movements you will, I presume, consider it advij^able to 
consult some of your principal olUcers." 1 deemed 
this equivalent to an di-der ; and the movemert import- 
ant. I called for the field officers of the regulars and 
twelve months volunteers embarked. Colonel Poller 
was not found at the moment. These questions were 
put — Is it 'exjJcdient now to cross ? Is the force tve have 
sufficient to canquer the opiwsite shore 9 

T 



tVlS HISTOIIY OF 

-i.iounttd corps. His services on the frontiers of Ohio, 
ar.d upon tae banks of t!ie Thames, have sccuied him an 
impeiisiiable inilitary reputation. On the 13th of April 
1814, the ladies of Scott county presented him an ele- 
'ant sword in consideration of his valor and unshaken 
iniiXiess at the battle of the Moravian town, 

!3'he first question was decided in the Tiegntive by 
Coioiiels I'arkcr, Schuyler, Winder, Lieut. Colonels 
}lcti stler, Coles, and Major Campbell, Col. Swift alone 
gav« an opinion for then crossing over. 

The second question was not decided. Colonels 
Tark«r, .Schuyler, Lieutenant Colonel Coles and Major 
Casopbeli were decidedly of opiiiicn that the force was 
■iiisuihcient. Colonels Winder, Swif^^ Lieutenant Col- 
onel Boerstkr and Captain Gilman, deemed the force 

sufficient. 

I determined to postpone crossing over until more 
comr-lete preparation^^ would enab'e me to embark the 
whole foice at once, the cou.iisei prescribtd by my or- 
ders. The noxt day w«b spent in such prepajation, and 
the troops v.ere ordered to he cgain at the place of em- 
barkation at 8 w'clock on the morning of the 30th No- 
vember. On their iirrival thej were sent into the adja- 
cent >v<)ods, there to build lires and remain until 3 
o'clock, A. ?j. of the 1st of December, when it was intend- 
ed to put O-Ttwo hours before day light, so as to avoid 
Irhe enemy's c:v-iiion in p:issinj^ the position which jt was 
believed they occupied b'dow, to land above ChioDeway, 
asisaiiU that place,' ■anuj if successful, march through 
Ouet :>3town Vor.Fort George. For this expedition the 
c'satractoi was called on to furnish r&tIo:^s for 2500 
liiAiU for ioi V days, when it w;i: found he could furnish 
the pork, hut not the ilour, the . deputy quarter master 
cajlvid for 30 bair :is and yot but 0:-. 

The ekibsLrkation commenceds hvi was delayed by 
ciL'Cumslanc(;o, so-as n<.t to he completed until aftdr day- 
light, when it was found the regui-^.r ir4ar»try, 688 men, 
•■the arti^iary V'J men, SMvift's volunteers, estirii^ted at 



THE LATE WAR. Qjj 

Inuring to recess of congress Ke devotes most of his 
time to agricultural pursuits — having for a number of 
years abaiuloned the practice of law. 

Col. Johnson is in statue rather above the middle 
size ; well formed ; of a .firm but prepossessing aspect ; 
his words are fey/, but always expressed with gra.;^ 
and energy .. , 

236, companies of federal volunteers, under Capts. Col- 
lins, Fliiilips, Allison, Moore, Maher aiid ?,Iarshall, 
amounting to 376 men, commanded hj Lieut. Co;. 
M'Clure, 100 men of Col, Dobbin's militia, and a fevr 
men in a boat with Gen. P. B. Porter liad embarked — 
the v/hole men on boarel amountiug. exclusive of officers, 
to 14G5 men, or thereabouts ; and it was tv/o hours later 
tiian had be^n contemplated. 

There wer« some groups of men not yet embarked ; 
they were applied to, requested and ordered by the brig- 
ade major to set into their boats-^thev did not. The- 
Bumber of these the brigade major estimated. at about 
150. It was probably greater. 

Jt tiien became a question whether it was expedient 
to invade Canada in open day ligrit, with 1500 men, at 
a point where no reinforcement could be expected for 
some days, 1 sasv that the nuniber of regular troops 
was declining rapidly — I knew that on tlieni chiefly i 
was to depend. 

I called togetii&r the officers commanding corps cfths 
regular army. Col. Parker being sick, those present 
were Col. Porter of the artillery^ Ceu Schuyler^ Col. 
Winder and Lieut. Col. Coles. 

X put to them this question : — Skull we proceed? They 
unanimously decided that we ought r.oi. 

I foresaw that the volunteers who had come out for a 
few days, wmdd disperse — several of them had on the 
evening of the S8th broke their muskets. 1 foresaw tliat 
the number of the regular troops would decrease ; the 
Jtneasels and other diseases, being among them ; and they 
wer45 new in tents iii the mouth of December. 1 inform- 



'2ah HisroiiY OF 

Although a cloud of witnesses could verify tue fact 
that he killed Tecumseh in fair personal combat, still 
his modesty would nevar permit him to proclaim him- 
self the hei'o of tkat chivalrous feat. He is doubtful 
whether t'lc Sbawanoe chieftain approached him with a 
tomahav/k or sword ; for this reason : ha kept his eye 
full on that of his savage foe>, without regarding his 

€d the oiTioers that the atteVnptto invade Canada would 
not be made until the army was reinforced ; directed 
them to withdraw their troops, and cover them with huts 
immediately. 

You say that on Saturday every obstruction was re- 
moved, and that a landing might have been effected 
-'* without t!ie loss of a single man.-' This proves you 
unacquainted with the occurrences of the day. Col. 
Winder, in returning from the enemy's shore in the 
morning, lost a tenth part of his force in killed sjnd 
wounded. The enemy shewed no more than 5 or 600 
]nen, as estimated by Col. Parker, and one piece of ar- 
tillery, supposed a nine pounder. That force, we no 
doubt mi^ht have overcome 5 but not without loss ; and 
that, from tlie great advantage the enemy would liav© 
had, misht have been considerable. 

To recapitulate :— -My orders were to pass into Can- 
ada v/iih 3000 men at once. On the first day of embark- 
ation not more than 1100 men were cnlbarked,of whom 
400, that is, half the regular infantry, were exhausted 
with fatigue, and want of rest. On the second embark- 
ation, only 1500 men were embarked, and these were to 
have put off immedirately, and to have descended the 
I iver to a point where reinforcements were not to be ex- 
pected. On both da3'^S5 many of the regular troops wer* 
liiCD in bad health, who could not have stood one days 
roarch 5 who, altliough they were on the sick report? 
were turned out by their ardent officers. 

The afTair atQueenstov/n is a caution against relyin^^ 
on crowds who go to the bank of Niagara to look on a 
feattle as on a theatical exhibition ; who if they are dis- 



THE LATE V/AR. «2t 

weapons. This exclusive attention to the eye of Te- 
cumseh enabled the colonel to fathom his intentions 
and anticipate his blow. 

Among other excellent traits of character, is the lib- 
erality with which he encourages young men of gcniu!^) 
in humble life : for he has on more occasions tliau 'one, 

appointed of the sights, break their musliets : or it they 
are without rations for a day desert.* 

I have made to you this frank disclosure witiiout ad- 
mitting your authority to require it, under the impres- 
sion that you are patriotic and candid men ; and that 3'ou 
will not cenSw'.re me for following the cautious counsels 
of experience ; nor join in the senseless clamor excited 
against me by an interested man. 

I have some reasons to believe that the cautious coun- 
sel given by the superior officers of my command v;vs 
good. From deserters we learn, that 2344 rations arb 
issued daily on the frontiers, on the British side. Capt. 
King, prisoner at Fort George, writes to an officer 
thus — '• tell our friends to take better care oftJiemselvea 
than it a2)pcars I have done, ^^ 

I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your ir^ast 
obedient, 

AX.EX^\NDEIl SMYTH, 

Brii^adieii' GcUei'uL 
To Messrs. Geo. JrCliire, Lewiy Sirdsall,'^ 
John Griff en and Wm. B. So Chester, a \ 
committee from the jjatriotic citizens uf f^ 
the ivesttrn counties of J\'*eiv York. J 

P. S. It will be observed that the force readi^ could 
oe no otherwise ascertained tlianby an cctvnt einbaika- 
tion — it being uncertain what portion of the volunteer 
f^rce would embark. 



* Six hundred of Geiil- Tannehill's brigade deserted 
in twenty four hours. A court martial of this brigade 
have fined a mmtivelve and a half cents, for the cii»ne 
of desertion 1 * 

T 2 



^2:^ HISTORY 01? 

by an honorable ami munificent patronage, drawn 
merit from obscurity and genius from the cottage.. 

His whole regiment even to a man, were enthusiasti- 
cally attached to him. They dreaded nothing so much 
a;s his reproof. The patience and fortitude with which 
he endured the anguish of his wounds, and the incredi- 
ble fatigues, severities and privations of his passage 
from Detroit to Sandusky, and from thence to Kentucky^ 
surpassed if possible his courage on the field of battlec 
In the boisterous month of November, amid almost in- 
cessant rains — with five severe wounds which had barely 
begun to heal, he was conveyed from his lt)dgings in De-* 
troit, to a boat but illy provided with hands Jlnd with 
scarcely a Covert frcn* the chilling storms of the season. 
— -Tiis fortunes are then eommitted to the elements — the 
Iraii barge is tossed on the tempestuous lake by many 
an adverse gale — night and day the laboring oars are 
plied — the rain descends in torrents — the ablest hands 
are exhausted- — for toil is constant and sleep a stranger, 
.Finally, after 90 hours of unremitted exertion the party 
arrive at Fort Stephenson — at midnight : for the inde- 
fatigable James Johnson v;as at helm, and no obstacle is 
i<) him insurmountable. 

Here the boat is abandoned — and the wounded hero 
is placed on a litter, suspended between two horses — 
the rains recommence ; but tlie rout is continued — a 
dreary wilderness, streams unfordable, horrible roads, 
iiumerons rivers and a tedioas distance of SOO miles 
separated our party from their beloved Kentucky. . Yet 
all these formidable impediments were overcouve,with 
innexllle perseverance and astonishing celerity. 

This is not fiction nor exaggeration — it is rather an 
imperfect picture of thut Herculean aud unex-iinpit^d 



THE LATE WAR. 223 

journey. AVhat cannct man endure wV.cn siihtained and 
b'J. jed up by an invincible tirmness of scu^ : 

After spending eight or ten weeks in Kentucky, he 
was so far recovered IVom his wounds that he repaired 
to the seat of government, and resumed his seat in con- 
gress. The fame of his expk)its had preceded him; 
and he was every where received with distinguished 
testimonials of respect and admiration, which heroic a? 
chievements always inspire. 



224 HISTORY OF 



Biographical nctice of Lieut, Col. George- 

Croghan, 

JOl female correspondent of the Port Folio, who 
during the earlj years of Crogtian, was an inmate un- 
der the same roof,, has given the following, sketch of his 
juvenile character. 

"Though ingenious rn his disposition and unassuming 
and conciliating in his manr»€r, he was remarkable for 
discretioii and steadiness. His opinions, when once 
ibrmed, were maintained with modest, but persevering 
firmness; and the propriety of his decisions generally 
justified the spirit with which tliey were defended. Yet, 
though rigid in his adherence to principle, and his esti- 
mate of what was right or improper, in cases of minor, 
importance he was all compliance. I never met with a 
youth who would so cheerfully sacrifice every personal 
gratiiicationto the wishes or accomodation of his friends. 
In sickness and disappointment he evinced a degree of 
patience and fortitude which could not have been ex- 
ceeded by any veteran in the school of misfortune or 
philosophy. Were I asked, what were tlte most prom- 
inent features of his character ? or rather, what were 
the prevailing dispositions of his mind } at the period of 
which I am speaking, I would answer decision and iif- 
lanity ; the iormer resulting from the uncommon and 
estimable qualities of his understanding — the latter, 
from the concentration of all the swee-t " charities of 
Jife" in his heart. 

" Lieutenant Colonel George Croghan, was born at 
Locust drove, near the falls of Ohio, on the loth «f 



THE LATE WAR. 2^5 

Nerember, 1791. His fatlier Major William Croghan, 
left Ireland at an early period, was appointed an officer 
in our revolutionary armj^ and discharged his duties as 
such, to the satisfaction of the commander in chief.— 
His mother is the daughter of John Clark, Esq. of Vir- 
ginia, a gentleman of wortJi and respectahillt}^, -vvho ex- 
erted himself greatly and contributed largely towards 
the support of our just and glorious contest. He had 
live sons ; four of whom were officers in the revolution- 
ary army. Gen«ral William Clark, who, together with 
Captain Lewis, explored, and is at present the govern- 
or of Louisiana, was too y-euilg to participate with his 
brothers in the achieve?nent of our liberties : but his 
conduct since is 9. sufficient (fiemonstration of the part 
he would have taken, had he been riper in years. The 
^lilitary talents of George R. Clark have obtained for 
him the flattering appellation of " the father of the 
western country.*' 

'* Colonel Croghan has always been esteemed gener- 
0H9 and humane ; and, when a boy, his manly appear- 
ance a^d independence of sentiment and action, com- 
nmnded th« attention and admiration of all who knew 
him. 

" The selection of his speeches for scholastic exer- 
cises tended in some measure to maik his peculiar tal- 
ent. They were of a nature entirely military. He 
read with delight whatever appertained to military af- 
fairs, and would listen f^r hours to conversations res- 
pecting battles. His principal amusements were gun- 
ning *and fox hunting. He would frequently rise at 
twelve o'clock at night, and repair to the woods alone, 
(or with no attendant but his little servant,) either to 
give chace to the foxjQr battle t'o th^ wildcat and racoon. 



am HISTORY OF 

" Kotliing o.lTended hi.n more, than for any one eveu- 
i:i jest, to say a word disrespectful of Waskin^ton. 

" Wjiile in Va& state of Kentucky his time was prin- 
cipally occupied by the study of his native tongue-— 
geography — the elenients of geometry — and the Latin 
and the Greek language*. In these different branches 
of literature he made a respectable progress. 

"In the year 1808, he left Locust Grove for the pur- 
pose of prosecuting his studies in the university of 
William and Mary. In this institi^tion he graduated 
as A. B. on the 4th of July 1810 5 and delivered, oa 
the <lay of liis graduation, an oration on the subject of 
expatriation. This oration was deemed by- the audi- 
ence, concise, ingenious, and argumentative, and was 
pronounced in a manner which did great credit to his 
oratorical powers. The ensuing summer he attended a 
course of lectures on law, and upon the termination af 
the course, returned to his fatlier-s where he prosecuted 
the study of the same profesiion, and occasionally in- 
dulged himself in miscellaneous reading. Bio^rapliy and 
history have always occupied much of bis attention. 
He is an enthusiastic admirer of the wrriinfi-s of Shake- 
speare, and can recite most of the noted passages of 
that great poet and piiilosopher. He admires tragedy, 
liut not€6m»dy. He is (as his countenance indicates 
rather) af a serious cast of piind ; but no one admires 
more a pleasant anecdote, or an unaffected sally of wit. 
With his friends he is aSabie and [icg from reserve— 
his manners are prepossessing ^ he dislikes ostentation^ 
and was never heard to utter a word in praise of him- 
self. 

"In the autumn of 1811, was fought the battle of 
Tippecanoe. This was the first opportunity that offered^ 



THE LATE WAR. 22? 

for the display of his military talents. Ifc cM-biacid it 
.with avidity — he left his fath.«r's house in the character 
f)f a volunteer, a.id was appointed aid to Geneidl Har- 
rison. On die 7th oi November an j^Uaclc wa? -nucl -, on 
the troops under the command ef thai officer 5 tha ene- 
my were reputed with vuior^ ahd daring the engagc- 
ir.ent young; Croghan evinced the greatest courage, ac- 
tivity anu military skill. His servkes Vfcre acknowl- 
edged hy all ; a,nd he exhihite ' -uch proofs of a genius 
-for wpr, what maiiy 61 his coinpamons in arms lemarked 
that " he was bv.i'ii a soiaie;-.^^ A cant saying among 
the troops of Tippecanoe^, wbs, " to do a main busi- 
ness,'' and during the battle^ he v/ould rida from post 
to post, exciting the coiuage of the men by exclaiiiiing, 
" Now my brave f-Uov/s, now is the time to d*; a main 
business.*' Upon the return of the troops fi'om Tippe- 
. canoe they were liequeiitiy met by persons coming to 
ascertain th3 fate of tlieir children or fi lends. Among 
the number cf thesT; was a very poor and aged man, 
whose son was slain in tliC battle. Colonel Croghaa 
-kiviiiz ascertained the situaticu of the old man and 
obsci v'ing his inability to perform much bodily labor, 
-regularly made iiis fires for hiia every morning, and sup- 
plied him with pro\iiiions, c! J ties and money. Many 
acts of this kifidiire related -A him by [he soldiers and 
oltceii cf I'ippe canoe. 

" After the battle of '1\ pecan je Us military ardor 
greatly increased, ar.d upon t'le prosrect of a speeaj 
declaration- of war he exf 1 .^ssed a desire to join the ar- 
my. H^cornmendatory ''. -ters of the most fi ottering 
kind were v/rltten by G^i erals H...ri3on and Boyd to 
Ihe seoretarv of war, a r. upon th? couiUienci/.ient of 
'Volatilities against Great Britain, lie v/as appointed Cap- 



228 HISTORV OF 

tain in the ITth regiment of infantry. He was station- 
ed sometime at Clark cantonement, near the falls of 
Ohio 5 but had not been long in command there, before 
he was ordered to march, with what regulars he liad, to 
the head quarters of the north western army, then at 
Detroit. His countenance beamed with delight upon 
receiving this order. Before they had proceeded far 
they heard of Hull's surrender. 

" Shortly after thi^, the command of the north west- 
ern army was given to General Harrison. Colonel Cro- 
ghan commanded a short time at Fort Defiance, on the 
Miami, but upon the defeat of General Winchester, he 
was ordered to Fort Meigs. 

His subsequent achievemonts are recoi^ied in another 
part of this work. 



BND OF VOLUME FIRST. 



APPENDIX. 



.C'.::-C« 



(A.) 



[These letters Avere taken with Proctor's baggr^gc, on 
the 5th of October, 1813.] 

I. 

JRapid^, July 2, 1794 

Sir — I have this moment received intelligence that 
the Indians were encamped within 30 miles of Fort 
Greenville on the 2Tt\\ oflast month, and that they sent 
here the scalp of a Chickasaw [the Chickasaw s v/ere at 
that time with the American army] taken that day bj 
one of their scouts, so that from the situation of the 
contending parties it may be presumed that a few days 
will bring news of importance which I shall not fail to 
send you by the first opportunity. 

By the same channel I learn that a laro;e body of 
troops, supposed to be 300O, with waggons, ike. crossed 
the Ohio some days ago and marched towards the foits 
in the Indian country, 

I am much pressed for tobacco and ammimition, which 
I hope Imatj receive by the return of tlie boat. 

I am with very great respect, sir, your most obedient 
and very humble sen-ant, 

^, , ^ A. McKEE. 

Col England, Sfc. Sfc. ^c. Detroit. 

(Endorsed <' on his majesty-s service."') 
II. ^ 

-, _ , IlapidSyJidy5,lT94, 

bm — I send you this by a party of Sti^anas, who i-e- 
turned yesterday from Fort Recovery where Um whole 
body of Indians, except the Delav/ares v. ho had ^'onc 

U ' ""■ 



:3 APPENDIX. 

another roule^ i'm'pvuihntly attacked the fort on l^Ion- 
day the SOth of last month and lost 16 or 17 men, be- 
sides a good many wounded. 

Every thing had been settled prior to their leavinj^ the 
tVlien timber^* and it had been agreed upon to confine 
tiiemselves to taking convoys and attacking at a dis- 
tance from the forts, if they should have the address to 
entice the enemy out ; but the impetuosity of the Mack- 
ina Indians ^.nd their eagerness to begin with the near- 
est, prevailed with the others to alter their system, the 
consequences of which, from the present appearance 
of things, may not materially injure the interests of 
these people 5 both the Mackina and Lake Indians seem 
resolved on going home again, having completed the 
belts they carried with scalps and prisoners, having no 
provisions there or at the Glaze to subsist upon, so that 
his majesty's posts will derive no security from ilie late 
great influx of Indians into this part of the countrj 
should they persist in their resolution of returning so 
soon. 

The immediate object of the attack was 300 pack 
horses going from this fort to Fort Greenville, in which 
the Indians completely succeeded^ taking and killing all 
of them. I^ut the commanding officer, capt. Gibson, 
sending out a troop of cavalry, and bringing his infan- 
try out in front of his post, the Indians attacked them 
and killed about 50, among whom is capt. Gibson and 
two other officers. On the near approach of the Indians 
to the fort, the remains of his garrison retired into it, 
and from their loop holes killed and wounded as already 
mentioned. Captain Elliot writes that they are imme- 
diately to hold a council at the Glaze in order to try if 
they can prevail on tlie I..ake Indians to remain ; but 
whihowt 'provisions, ammunUioii, <^*c. beiu'^ sent to that 
2)hicu^ I co7iceiv& it ivill be extremely difficult to keep 
I kern together. 



* Supposed to be the. place where Wayne's battle was 
f-3usht, 



APPENDIX. . S 

With great respect, I have the honor to be, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

A. McKEE. 

Col. England, commandant fit Detroit, cj*c. ^*c. 
(Endorsed "* on his majesty's service.") 

III. 

llapids, Jlugust 13, 1794. 

Sir — I was honored last night with your letter of the 
llihynnd am extremely glad tojind you are making such 
exertions to supply the Indians with provisions. 

Captain Elliot arrived yesterday ; ivhat he has brought 
will greatly relieve us, having been obliged all day yes- 
terday to take all the corn and flour which the trader* 
had here. 

A scouting party from the Americans carried off a 
man and woman yesterday morning between this place 
and Roche de Bout, and afterwards attacked a small 
party of Dela wares in their camp; but they were re- 
pulsed with the loss of a man, whom they either hid or 
threw into the river. They killed a Delaware woman. 

Scouts are sent up to view the situation of the army, 
and WE novv^ muster 1000 Indians. All the Lake In- 
dians from Sagana downwards should not lose one mo- 
ment in joining their brethren, as every accession of 
strength is an addition to their spirits. 

I have the honor to be, with very great respect, sir, 
your most obedient and \ei-y humble servant, 

A. McKEE. 

Col. England, S^'c. ^c. ^c. Detroit, 
(Endoited " on liiij majesty's service.") 

IV. 
Camp, near Fort Miami, Jugusf SO, 1794. 

Sir — I have been employed several days fn endeavor- 
ing to fix the Indians (wlio have been driven from their 
villages a.nd cornticlds) between the fort and the bay. — 
Swan creek is generally agreed upon, and will be a 
very convenient place for the delivery of provisions <J*c. 

The last accounts from Gen. Wayne's army were 
brought me last night by an Indian who says the army 
Vvovld not bo able to reach the Glaze before yesterday 



4 APPENDIX. 

evening, it is supposed on account of the sick and woun- 
ded, many of wlioin thej bury every day. 

I propose being in town in a day or two, when I hope 
for t}\e pleasure of paying you my respects. 

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respectj sir, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 

A. McKEE. 

CoL England, Sfc, ^'c. ^c. Betroit. 
(Endorsed " on his majesty's service." 

(B.) 

Extracts of letters to the secretary of ivar^ laid beforB 
Congress June llth, 1812. 

From Capt. Dunham, of the United States' Army. 
" Michilimackinac, Mat/ 24, 1807. 

" There appears to be a very general and extensive 
movement among the savages in this quarter. Beits of 
v/ampum are rapidly circulating from one tribe to anoth- 
er, and a spirit is prevailing by no means pacific. The 
enclosed talk which has been industriously spread among 
them needs no comment. 

" There is certainly vtisckief at the bottom, and there 
can be no doubt in my mind that the object and inten- 
tion of this great Maniton or second Adam, under the 
pretence of restoring to the aborigines their former 
independence, and to the savage character its ancient 
energies, is in reality to induce a general effort to vallij 
and to strike, somewhere a desperate blow. 

" Extract from a talk delivered at Le Maiouitinong^ 
entrance of lake Michigan, by the Indian Chief Le 
Maigouis, or t\\Q Trout, May 4, 180r : 

<• i ara tlie fatiier of the Enixlish, of tlie Frencli, of 
the Spania.vds and of the Indians. I createii the tVrst 
man, who was tae common {\tther of all these people as 
well as yourselves : and it is through him, whom I have 
awakened from his long sleep, that I now address you. 
But the Americans I did not make ; the>/ are not my chil 
dren, hut the children of evil Spirity^ They grew fron 
the scum of the great waters when it was troubled bj 
the evil Spirit, and the iVot'i was driven into tlie woocU 



APPENDIX. « o 

fey a strong east wind. They arc numerous, hull hate 
them. My children, ycu must not speak, of this talk 
to the whites ; it must be hidden from them. I am now 
on. the earth, sent hy the great Spirit to instruct you. 
Each village must send me two or more priiicipaV Chiefs 
to represent you, that you may be taught. Tke bearar 
of this talk will point out to you the patli to my wigwam. 
I could not come myself to Abre Crocte, because the 
"world is changed from what it was. It is broken and 
leans down, and as it declines, the Chippewas and all 
beyond will fall off and die; therefore you must come 
and to me, and be instructed. Those villages which do 
not listen to this talk and send me two deputies, will be 
cy t off from the face of the earth." 

From Capt. Dunham of the United States' Army. 
" Michillmackinae, August 50, 1807. 
" The cause of the hostile feelings on the part of the 
Indians, is principally to be attributed to the influence 
of foreigners trading in the country.*' 

From Governor William H. Harrison. 
«< Jeffersonville, Falls of Ohio, 14th .Spril, 1308. 
« A young man from the Delaware towns, came to ia- 
form me that a Pottawattamie Indian had arrived at the 
towns, with a speech from the British, in which, they 
were informed that they (the British) were upon the 
point of commencing [lostiliiies against the United 
States, and requesting the Delav.ares to join them.*' 

From General William Clark. 

" St. Louis, Jpril SO, 1809. 
«=« I have the honor to enclose you a copy of a Icllcr 
w hich confirms my suspicions of the Biitibh interference 
witk our Indian aftairs in this country." 
Extract referred to above. 
<« I am at present in the fire, receiving Lidian news 
every day. A chief of the Puant nation appears to be 
employed by the British to get all the nations of the 
Indians to Detroit, to see their fathers, the British, who 
tell them that they pity tliem in their situation vltii 
the Americans, because tl;e Americans had taken their 
lands and their game, that tkcv rnnst join and send tiiejn. 
U 2 



6 APPENDIX, 

off from their lands. They told the savages* that tiie 
Americans could not give them a blanket nor any tiling 
good for their families. 

" They said they had but one father that helped theiu 
in their misfortunes, and that they would assemble, 
defend their father, and keep their lands. It appears 
that four English subjects have been at Riviere a la Roche 
this winter, in disguise 5 they have heen there to get 
the nations together and send them on the American 
frontiers. The Indians are pushed on by our enemies 
to take the fort of Belle Vue." 

From Samuel Tupper, Indian factor. 

« Sandusky, 7th June, 1809. 
" The conduct of British traders introducing spiritu- 
mis liquors among the Indians in this part of the country 
and their determined hostility to the measures of our 
government,, have long been subjects of complaint." 

From Governor William Hull. 

« Detroit, June 1 6, 1 809. 
" The influence of the Prophet has been great, and his 
advice to the Indians injurious to them and the United 
States. The powerful influence of the British has been 
exerted in a way alluring to the savage character. 

From Governor Harrison. 

" Vincennes, 14th June, 1810. 
*' An Iowa Indian informs me, that two years ago this 
summer, an agent from the British, arrived at the 
Prophet's town, and in his presence delivered the mes- 
sage with which he was charged : the substance of 
which was to urge the Prophet to unite as many tribes 
as he could against the United States, but not to com- 
mence hostilities until they gave the signal. From this, 
man and others of his- nation, I learn that the Prophet 
has been constantly soliciting their own and other tribes 
of the Mississippi to join him against the United. 
States." 

From Governor Harrison. 

" Vincennes, July 18, 1810. 
" A considerable number of Sacs went some time 
since to see the Biitisk superiiiteiidant; aad oa the 1st 



APPENDIX. r 

instantj fiftj more passed Chicago for the same desti- 
nation. 

" A Miami Chief who has just returned from his 
annual visit to Maiden, after having received the accus- 
tomed donation of goods, was thus addressed by the 
British agent : " My son keep your eyes fixed on me ; 
my tomahawk is now up; be you ready, but do not 
strike until I give the signal." 

From General William Clark. 

<• St. Louis, July 20, 1810. 
" One Iiundred and fifty Sacs are on a visit to th^ 
British agent, by invitation, and a smaller party on a 
visit to the island of St. Joseph in lake Huron.'' 

From Governor Yi. If. Harrison. 

" Vincennes, July 9.5, 1810. 
" There can be no doubt of the designs of the Prophet 
and Jiritish agent of Indians affairs, to do us injury. 
This agent is a refugee from the neighbourhood of , 
and his implacable hatred to his native country prompt- 
ed him to take part with the Indians in the battle between 
them and Gen. Wayne's army. He has, ever since his 
appointment to the principal agency used his utmost 
endeavors to excite hostilities, and the lavish manner in 
which he is allawed to scatter presents amongst them, 
shews that his government participates in his enmity, 
and authorizes his measures." 

From Governor William Hull. 

" Detroit, July £7, 1810. 
<* Large bodies of Indians from ih-e m estward and 
southward continue to visit the Britisli post at Amherst- 
burg, and are supplied with provisions, arms, ammuni- 
tion, &c. Much more attention is paid to them than 
usual." 

Extract from the speech of Red Jacket j in behalf of 
himself and the other deputies of the six nations, 

February 1810. 

" Brother, — Since you have had some disputes with 

the British government, their agents in Canada have not 

only endeavored to make the Indians at the westward 

yom- enemies; but they bavQ sent a war belt amongst 



8 APPENDIX. 

our warriors to poison their minds and make them break 
their faith \^'ith you. At the same time ^ve had infor- 
mation that the British had circulated war belts among 
the western Indians, and within yowr terrirory." 

From John Johnson, Indian agent. 

" Fort Wayne, Jiiigust 7, 1810. 
" Since writing you on the 25th ultimo, about one 
hundred men of the Saukies have returned from the 
British agent, who supplied them liberally v/ith every 
thing they stood in want of. The party received At 
rifles, and a number of fusils, with plenty of powder 
and lead. This is sending firebrands into the Mississippi 
country ^inasmuch as it will draw numbers of our Indians 
to tlie British side, in the hope of being ti'eated with.. 
the same liberality." 

From Governor W. H. Harrison. 

" Vincemies, February 6, 1811. 
<i If the intentions of the British government are 
pacific, the Indian departmeiit of Upper Canada hav^ 
not been made acquainted with them, for they have very 
lately said every thing to the Indians who have visited 
them to excite them against us-" 

From John Johnson. 

<• Fort Wayne, February ^y 1811. 
<i> * * * * y,as been at this place.. The information 
derived from him is the same as I have been in posses- 
sion of for several yearsj to wit: The intrigues of the: 
British agents and partizans in creating an influence 
hostile to our people and government, within our terri- 
tory," 

From M, Irwin, Indian factor. 

'^ Chicago, May 13, 1811. 
*< An assemblage of the Indians is to take place on a 
branch of the Illinois, by the influence of the Prophet'; 
the result will be hostile in the event of a. war with 
Great Britain." 

From Governor W. H. Harrison; 

" Vincennes, September 17, 1811. 
<i * * * * * states that almost every Indian froi* the 
€W!itry above tkis had been? or were then gone to Mai- 



APPENDIX. 9 

Jen, on a visit to the British aji;ent. We shall proba- 
bly gain our destined point at the moment of their re- 
turn. If then the British agents are really endeavor- 
ing to instigate the Indians to make war upon us, we 
shall be in their neighborhood at the very moment when 
the impressions which have been made against us are 
most active in the minds of the sava2:es." 

******* succeeded in getting the chiefs together at 
Fort Wayne, though he found them all preparing to go 
to Maiden. The result of the council discovered that 
the whole tribes (^including the Weas and Eel rivers 
for they are all Miamies) were about equally divided in 
favor of the Prophet, and the United States. Lapousier 
the Wea chief, whom I before mentioned to you as be- 
ing seduced by the Prophet, was repeatedly asked by 
* * * * * what land it was that he was determined to 
defend with his blood ; — whether it was that which was 
ceded by the late treaty or not, but he would give no 
answer. 

"***** reports that all the Indians of the Wa- 
bash have been, or nov/ are, on a visit to the British 
agents at Maiden. He has never known one fourth as 
many goods given to tlie Indians as they are now dis- 
tributing. He examined the share of one man (not a 
chief and found that lie had received an elegant rifie, 
25 pounds of powder, 50 pounds of lead, 3 blankets, 
5 trouds of cloth, 10 shirts and several other articles. 
He says every Indian is furnished with a gun (either 
rifie or fusil) and an abundance of ammunition. A tra- 
der of this country was lately in the king's stores at 
Maiden, and was told that the quantity of goods for 
the Indian department, which had been sent out this 
year, exceeded that of common years by 20,000 pounds 
sterling. It is impossible to ascribe this profusion to 
any otfeer motive than that of instigating the Indians ta 
taKe up the tomahav/k. It cannot be to secure their 
trade ; for all the peltry collected on the waters of the 
Wabash in one year, if sold in tiie Eondon market, 
would not pay the freight of the goods which have been 
j^i^en t\f ;he Indians, 



10 APPENDIX. 

" I am decidedlj of opinion that the tendency of the? 
the British measures is hostility to us." 

From Governor Willie Blount. 

" JVashvilley September 11, 1811. 
^' There is in this place a very noted chief of the 
€hickasaws, a man of truth, who wishes the President 
should be informed that there is a combination of the 
northern Indians, promoted by the English, to unite in 
falling on the frontier settlements, and are inviting the 
southern tribes to join them." 

From Governor Ninian Edwards. 
Cahokiay St, Clair county, Illinois Territory , April 

24, 181£. 
<^The opinion of the celebrated British trader, 
Dixon, is, that in the event of a British war, all the 
Indians will be opposed to us, and he hopes to engage 
them in hostility by making peace between the Sioux 
and Chippewas, two very large nations, and getting, 
them to declare war against us." 

Extract of a letter from his excellency Ninian Edwards, 
Governor of the Illinois territory to the secretary 

of war, dated 
^''Illinois Territory^ January 25, 1812. 
''• Many of those Indians certainly contemplate join- 
ing the British. They are in the habit of visiting fort 
Maiden annually 5 and as soon as they are prepared for 
their departure thither, they will (as I believe they 
have already declared) make inroads upon our settle- 
ments, as well to take scalps as to steal horses." 

Extract of a letter from Gen, William Clark j, to the 

secretary of war dated 

" St. Louis, Fehmary 13, 1312. 
" If posses&ion was taken of a point about the mouth 
of Fox river, where it enters into Green Bay, commu- 
nications would be cut off between the traders and 
Indians on the Mississippi below Prairie du Chien, and 
the British trading houses on the lakes 5 smuggling 
might be prevented through that channel. Mr. Dixon, 
and those British, who are also agents, who have smug- 
gled an isimease quantity of goods tiiyough that channel 



APPENDIX. 11 

this y^a.r, and now in the Mississippi, could be caught 
on their return as they go out in the spring. This de- 
scription of people grasp at every means in their power 
to wean the affections of the Indians from any thing 
that is American ; having it in their pow'er to make 
large presents to the Indians, the most of whom are 
^0 he bought ; and by this means create great difficulty 
wherever they have any influence," 

Extracts of a letter from John Shaw, Esq. Indian agent, 
to the secretary of war, dated 

« Fort Waj/ne, Sd mo. 10th, 1812. 

** It appears that the hostile disposition of the Indians 
confederated under the Shawanee Prophet, that so re- 
cently manifested itself in the conflict on the "VVabash, 
IS not changed. By every thing that I am able to learn, 
they are secretly plotting to strike an effective blow on 
our frontier ; and it is said tliat they have been this 
winter invited by the British agent at Fort Maiden, to 
pay him a visit ; and I believe it is a fact that a consid- 
erable number of them have recently gone to that place 
Vfidk a view of procuring ammunition." 

" A speech is also said to have been recently sent to 
Winnemac, a Pottawattemie chief, from Elliot, the 
British agent ; but to what purpose, I have not been able 
to learn." 

Extracts of a letter from John Shaw, Esq. Indian agentj 
to the secretary of war, dated 

<^ Fort }Fayve,5dmo, Isf-, 1812. 

" It has been reported by a Miami Indian, who was 
hunting a few miles from this, that twenty four Indians 
of the Shawanee prophet's band, composed of "VVineba- 
goes, Kickapoos and Shawances, passed his camp about 
six days ago, on their way to Sandusky, for a quantity 
of powder and lead, which they saiti w as to be sent them 
from Canada." 

'' It also appears from the stateir; ents of a gentlemaa 
from Detroit, that the Moi-pock, (Tattawatt'amie chief) 
w it'll a small party of Indians, has been for a conside- 
rable time past, encamped on the river Raisin, and con- 
stantly getting provisions from the British at Fort Mai- 



n APPENDIX. 

tieiij and that it is firmly believed tliat Ke is "\raiting for 
a signal from Elliot, the British agent to commence hoa- 
fiiities on our frontier.*' 

Extracts of a letter from Robert Forsyth, Esq. to Capt. 
Rhea commanding at Fort Wajne, dated 

« Fort Waij7ie, March 10th, 1812. 

" I have no doubt but those Indians that passed this 
post some time ago, are a deputation sent to the British 
garrison for the purpose of procuring ammunition." 

« The Morpock, a Pattav/attemie chief, has wintered 
at river Huron, about twenty miles from the garrison of 
Amherstburg,and has drawn provisions and ammunition 
during the whole winter. He has about twenty mea 
with him." 

Extract of a letter from B. F. Sticknej, Esq. Indian 
4igent, to his excellency W. II. Harrison, dated 

« Fort Wayne, April 18, 1812. 
" Mr. Shaw has informed you that twenty four of the 
Prophet's band had passed this place in the last of Feb- 
ruary, for Fort Maiden, to receive ammunition, which 
was promised to be ready for them. They returned on 
the 4th instant, with as much gun powder, lead and n«w 
fusils as they could carry."^ 



k.'PVE^VAX, ' 1 



15 



*V. TV. establishmenf,on Lake LeecJi, Feb. 180C. 

SIR— As a proprietor of the N. W, companj, and 
director of the Zond du Lac departaient, I conceive it 
my duty as an officer of the United States, (in whose 
territory you are) to address you solely on tiie subject 
of the many houses under your instructions. As a mem- 
ber of the greatest commercial nation in the world, and 
a company long renowned for their extent of connec- 
tions and greatness cf views, you cannot be ignorant of 
the rigor of the laws of the duties of imports of a foreign 
power. 

Mr. Jay's treaty, it is true, o;ave the rio-ht of trade 
M'lth the savages to British subjects in the United States 
territories, but by no means exempted them from pay- 
ing the duties, obtaining licenses, and subscribing unto 
all the rules and restrictions of our laws. I find your 
establishments at every suitable place along the wbole 
extent of the south side of Lake Superior to its head, 
I'rom thence to the source of the Mississippi, and down 
Red River, and even extending to the centre af our 
newly acquired territory of Louisiana, in wiiich it will 
probably yet become a question between the two gov- 
ernments, if our tieaties will authorise the British sub- 
jects to enter into the Indian trade on the same footing;^ 
R% in the other parts of our frontiers ; this not having 
been an integral part of the United States, at the time 
of said ti^aty. Our traders to the south, on the Lower 
Mississippi, complain to our government, with justice, 
that the membei-s of the N. W. company, encircle them 
on the frontiers of our N. W. territory^, and trade M'ith 
the savages upon su|3erior terms, to what they can af- 
ford, who pay the duties of their goods imported from 
Europe, and subscribe to the regulations prescribed by 
law. 

These representations have at length attracted tlie 

V 



14 APPENDIX. 

attention of our governnment to the object in questioiij 
and with an iateation to do theiflselves as well as citi- 
zens justice, thej the last year took some steps to as- 
certain the facts, and make provision against the grow- 
ing evil. With this, some geographical, and also local 
objefcts in view was I dispatclied with discretionary or- 
ders, witii a party of troOps to the source of the Missis- 
sippi. 1 have found, sir, yo%ir commerce anti establish- 
ments, extended beyond our most exaggerated ideas, 
and in addition to the injury done our revenue, by the 
evasion of t!ie duties, other acts which are more partic- 
ularly injurious to the honor and dignity of our govern- 
ment- Tl.e transactions alluded to, are the presenting 
medals of his Britannic majesty, and ^a»"S of the said 
government, to the chiefs and warriors resident in the 
territory of the United States. If political subjects are 
strictly prohibited to our traders, what would be the 
ideas of the executive to see foreigtiers making chiefsj 
and distributing Hags, the standard of an European pow- 
ei*. The savages being accustomed to look on that 
standard, which had been the only prevailing one for 
years, as that which alone has authority in the country, 
k would not be in the least astonishing to see them re- 
volt from the United States, limited subjection which is 
claimed over tliein by tlie American government, and 
th-crcby be the cause of their receiving a chastisement : 
although necessary, yet unfortunate as they have been 
led astray by the policy of tlie traders of your country* 
I mustlikev/ise observe, sir, that your establishments, 
if properly knowi>, would biE looked on with an eye of 
dlpsalisfaclion by our government, for another reason, 
viz. there being so many furnish^id posts in case of a 
iMipture bctvv'een the two powers, the English govcrn- 
irtent would not fail to make U38 of those as places tf 

.deposit of arms, ammunition, ^^c. to be distributed tt5 
the savages who joined tiicir arms ; to the great annoy- 
ance of our territory, and the loss of the lives of many 

of our citizens. Vour flags, sir, when hoisted in inclo- 
sed v/orks, are in direct contradiction of the laws ol na- 
trons, and tb.eir practice in like cases, which only ad« 



APPENDIX. 13 

mits of foreign flags being expanded onboard of vesfcis 
and at the residence of Ambassadors, or consuls, i aiu 
not ignorant of the necessity of your being in sucb a po- 
sition as to protect you from the sallies of the (hunken 
savages, or the more dcHberate plans of the intended 
plunderer; and under those considerations, have 1 con- 
sidered your stockades. 

You, and tliC company of which you are a uuunbcr, 
must be conscious fron/the foregoing statement that 
s^trict justice would demand, and i assure you that the 
I:iw directs, under similar circumstances, a t-jtal con- 




ill will or disrespect to our government, and coiiceivirg- 
it in some degree departing from the character ot an ol- 
ficer, to embrace the first opportunity cf executing tisorv 
laws, I am willing to sacrifice my prospect of private 
advantage, conscious that the government look not to 
interest, but its dipiiUj in the transaction, i have there- 
fore to request of you, assurances on the lollowing 
heads, which setting aside tlie chicanery of law, as a- 
;»;entleman, vou wiUl;trictly adhere to : viz. — 

That you 'will make representations to your agents, at 
your .head quarters, on Lake Superior, of the quantity 
af goods wanted tlie ensuing spring, for your establish- 
nient>5 in the territory of the United States, in time suf- 
ficient, or as early as possible, for tiiem to enter them 
at the C. H. of Michilimackinac, and obtain a clearance 
and license to trade in ^yx<t form. 

2d. That you will give immediate instructions to all 
your posts in said territory, under your direction, at no 
time and on no pretence whatever to hoist, or suffer to 
be lioisted, the English fiag. If you conceive a fia^ ne- 
cessary, you may make use of that of tbe United State-, 
v.hich is the only one which can be admitted. 

Sd. That you will on no further occasion, present a 
flag or medal to an Indian : hold councils with them oii 
political subjects, or others foreign from that of trade ;• 
fefit on b^ii-.g applied to on those licads, refer thei>i to tlie 



16 APPENDIX. 

American agents, informing tliem that they aretlie only 
perso IS authorised to hold councils of a political nature 
with them. 

There are many other suhjects, such as the distribu- 
tion of liquor, &c. which would be too^ lengthy to he 
treated of in detail. But the company will do veil to 
furnish themselves with our laws, regulating the com- 
merce with the savages, and regulate themselves in our 
territories accordingly. I embrace this opportunity, ta 
acknowledf'-e myself and command undpr Binrrnlar ohli- 
gallons to yourselves and agents, ior the assistance which 
you have rendered us, and the polite treatineat with 
which I have been honored. Wit!) sentiments of higli 
respect, for the establishment and yourself. 

I am, sir, Your obedient serv.ait, 

Z, M. PIKE, 
Hugh M'GiUis.Er.a. 
Proprietor and agent of the N. Vv\ company, 

established at Zond i)u Lac. 

Leech JaiUc., \5tk Ff'hrvar'j, 180^. 
SIR— 'Your address presented ovi the Gth inst. has at- 
tracted my most serious consideraiioa to the several ob- 
jects of duties? on impoitafcioiis, of presents made to, and 
our consultations with indtaiis ; of enclosing cur stores 
and d7/eliin,2; housos, and iiiially of'the custom obtaining 
to hoist the British (lag o:i the territory i)eionging to tbe 
United States of America. I shall at as early a period 
as possible present the agents orfthe N. W. Company 
with your representations rc'jfardinrr the navin-^ o.uties 
on the importation of goods to be sent to our establish - 
raents within the ])ounus of the terrltorj^ of the United 
StateSj as also their being entered at the custom house 
of Micliiiimackinac, but I beg to be allowed to present 
for consideration, tliat the major part of the croods neces- 
sary to be sent t^ the said establishments for the trade 
of the ensuing winter, are now actually in our stores at 
Kamanitiguia, our head quarters on Lake Superior, and 
that it would cause us vast expence and trouble to be 
obliged to convey those goods back to Michilimackinac 
to be entered at the custom house oifice 5 we therefore 



APPENDIX. if 

pray that the word of gentlemen With regarti to the quan- 
tity and quality of the said goods to be sent to said es- 
tablishment, may be considered as equivalent to the cer- ■ 
taintyofa custom house register. Our intention has 
never been to injure your traders, paving the duties es- 
tablislied by la\v. \Ve hope those representations to : 
your government respecting our concerns with the. Indi- 
ans, may have been dictated with truth, and not exag» 
gerated by envy to prejudice our interests, and to throw 
abstain on our character, which may require time to ef- 
face from the minds of a people, to whom we must ever 
consider ourselves indebted for the lenity of procedure, 
of which the present is so notu-ljle a testimony. The 
enclosures to protect our stores and dwelling houses ' 
from the insults and barbarity of savage rudeness, have 
keen erected for the security of my property and person 
in a country, till now, exposed to* the wild will of the 
frantic Indians : we never formed the smallest idea that ^ 
the said enxlosures might ever be useful in the juncture 
of a rupture between the two powers, nor do we now 
conceive that such poor shifts will ever be employed by , 
the British government, in a country overshadowed with 
wood, so adequate to every purpose. Forts might in a 
short period oi time be built far superior to any stock- 
ades we may have occasion to erect ■ 

We were not conscious, sir, of the erfOr'I acknowl- 
edge we have been guilty to commit, by exhibiting to ' 
vievy on your ten^itory any standard of 'Great Britaia. 
I will pledge myself to your government, that I will use ^ 
rny utmost endeavours, as soon as possible, to prevent 
the future display of i British flag, or the presenting of 
medals, or the exhibiting to public view, any other mark* 
of European power, throughout thie extent* of territory'" 
known to belong to the domini'on ot the United States. 
The custom has long been established and we innocent- 
ly and inoffensively, as we imagined, hav^ cocformed 
to it till the present day. - 

^ Be persuaded that on no coasidefatlon, shall any In- 
dian be entertained on political subjects, or on any af- 
fairfr foreign to our trade : and reference shall be mitde 

V 2 



U APPENDIX. 

to tbe American agents, shoukl any application be made 
wortlij such reference 5 and be assured that we as a 
^.ommercial company must find it ever our interest to 
interfere as little as possible with affairs of government 
in the course of trade ; ignorant as we are in this rude 
and distant country of tlie political views of nations. 

We are convinced that the inestimable advantagfij^ 
arising from the endeavours of your government, to es- 
tablish a more peaceful course of trade in this part of the 
territory belonging to the United States, are not acquir- 
ed through the mere liberality of a nation, and are ready 
to contribute to the expcnce necessarily attending thenic 
We are not averse to pay the common duties establish- 
ed by i-iWy and will ever be ready to conform ourselves 
to ali the rules and regulations of trade that may be es- 
tablished according to common justice. 

1 beg to be allowed to say, that we have reason to hope, 
that every measure will be adopted to secure and facil- 
itate the trade with the Indians ; and these hopes seem 
to be coniirnied beyond the satalSest idea of doubt, when 
we see a man sent, among us, who instead of private 
considerations to pecuniary views, prefers the honor, 
dignity and leTiity of his governments and whose trans- 
actions are in every respect so conrorrnable to equity* 
When we behold an armed force ready to protect or 
ciiaatise as neeesaity or policy rr.ay direct, we know not 
hi>v^ to express our gratitude to that people whose only 
viev/ seeing to be to promote the happiness of all, the " 
savages that rove over the wild confines of their domain 
not excepted. 

It is to you, sir, we feel ourselves most greatly indebt- 
ed, whose claim to honor, esteem anxl respect, will ever 
)e held in high estimation hy myself and associates. 
The danger and hardships by your fortitude vanquish- 
» d, and by your perseverance overcome, are signal, and 
r/i!l ever bepreserved in the annals of the N. W. Com- 
pany. Were it solely from the considerations of those 
v,rho have exposed their lives in a long and perilous 
march through a country, where they had every distress 
to suffer, and many dangers to expect (and tlii^s with ^ 



APPENDIX. 19 

view to establish peace in a savage coundy.) we &l!Ould 
think ourselves under the most strict obligation to assist 
tliem ; but v/e know we are in a country where hospital- 
ity and ffratitudc are to be considered abov« every oth- 
er virtue, and therefore have offered for their relief 
what our ]>()or means can allovv : and, sir, permit nte to 
embrace the opportunity, to testify that I feel myself 
highly honored by your acceptance of such accommoda- 
tions as my humble roof couk". afi'oru. 

Witii great consideration and high respect for the- 
government of the United States, aliov/ ii.e to express 
my esteem and regard for you. 
I am, sir, 

Vour obedient humble servant, 
(Signed) H. M'GILLI?, 

Of N. \V. Company. 
Lieut. Filce^ 
1st. Regt. United States infantry. 

Extracts from Observations 
On the trade, views, and poHcy cf the Jforih West CGni" 
pany, and the national objects connected with tkeir 
commerce, as it interests the Government of the Vrd- 
ted States. 

The fur ti'ade in Canada, lias always been considered 
as an object of the first importance to that colcny ; and 
has been cherished by the respective governors of that 
province, by every regulation in their power, under 
both the French and English administrations. The 
great and almost unlimited iiiHuence the traders of that 
country had acquired over the savages, v.as severely 
felt, and will long be remembered by the citizens on our 
frontiers. Every attention v^as paid by the cabinet cf 
St. James, in our treaty witli Great Britain, to secure 
to their subjects, (the Canadians) the privilege oi the 
Indian trade within our territories, and with what judg- 
ment they have improved the advantages obtained, by 
the mother country, time will scon unfold. 

In the year 1766, the trade was first extended from 
Michilimackinac, to the north west, by a few desperate 
adventurers, whose mode of life on the voyage, acd 



$0 APPExNDlX. 

short resideiice in civilized society, obtained for them; 
the appellation of " Courcurs des Bois." From those 
trifling beginning's, arose the present north west com- 
pany, who not vithstanding the repeated attacks made 
on their trade, have withstood every shock, and are now, 
by the coalition of the late X. Y. company, established 
«n so firm a basis, as to bid defiance to every opposition, 
which can be made by private individuals. 

They, by a late purchase af the king's posts in Cana^ 
da, extend their line of trade from Hudson's Bay, to the 
St. Lawrence, up that river on both sides, to the Lakes 
' — from thence to t!.ie head of Lake Superior, at which 
place the north west company have their head quarters ; 
from thence to the source of Red river, and on all its 
tributary streams, thro'dgh the country to the Missouri — 
through the waters of Lake "Winipie, to tlie Saskasha- 
win, on that river to its source — up Elk river to the 
lake of the Hills — up Peace river to the Rocky moun^ 
tains — from the lake of the Hills, up Slave river to Slave 
Lak6, and this year have dispatched a Mr. Mackenzie 
en a voyage of trade and discovery down Mackenzie's 
river, to the north sea; and also a Mr. M'Coy, to cross 
the Rocky mountains, and proceed to the western ocean 
with the same objects in view. They have had a gen- 
tleman by the name of Thompson, making a geographi- 
cal survey of the north west part of the continent — who, 
for three years, with an astonishing spirit of enterprise 
and perseverance, passed over all that extensive and un- 
known country. His establishment, although not splen- 
did, (the mode of travelling not admitting it) was such, 
as to admit of the most unlimited pxpences in every 
thing necessary to facilitate his enquiries ; and he is new 
engaged in digesting the important results of his enter* 
prise. 1 find from the observatioiis and suggestions of 
Mr. Thompson, that when at the source cf the Missis- 
sippi, it was liis opinion the line of limits bet^veen the 
United States and Great Britain, must run such a course, 
from the head of the lake of the woods, as to touch the 
source of the Mississippi; and this 1 discovered to be 
the opinion of the north west company^ whom, we may 



APPENDIX., £3 

suppose, or reasonably conclude, speak the language 
held forth by their government. The admission of this 
pretension, will throw out of our territory all the upper 
part of Red river, and nearly two fifths of the territory 
oi Louisiana. "VVlieieas, if tlie line be run due west 
from the head of the lake of the Woods, it will cross 
Red river nearly at the entrance of Reed river, and it is 
conjectured strike the western ocean at Birch Bay, in 
Queen Charlotte Sound. Those differences of opinion, 
it is presumed, might be easily adjusted between the 
two governments, at the present day, but it is believed 
that delays by unfolding the true value of the countrj^, 
may produce dilhculties, which do not at present exist. 
The north w est company^ have made establishments at 
several places on the south side of Lake Superior, and 
on the head Vvaters of tlie rivers Sauteaux and St. Croix, 
which discharge themselves into the Mississippi. The 
Fond du Lac department brings in annually forty ca- 
noes, whicli by a calculation ma,de by a gentleman of ve- 
racitj- and information, Vv^ho has been eighteen years in 
th(t liidian trade, and in the habit of importing goods by 
Michilhnackinac, it appears that the annual amount of 
dutieii wonM be about tiiirteen thousand dollars. The 
Lower Red Iliver (widch 1 conceive to be within our 
territory) would yield about half that sum, viz. 6,500, 
and the HutUon's bay company's servants, who import, 
by the way of Lake \Yinipie, sii thousand five hundred 
dollars more. 

Th'js is the United States defrauded annually, of about 
twenty six thousand dollars. From my observations, 
and infbj-mati;>.i, I think it vvill be an easy matter to 
prevent t'ie STiuq;-;j;Un2: of the Fond du Lac department. 
By estabiisiiirig a post with a garrison Oi one hundred, 
men, and an .office of the customs, near the mouth of the 
river St. Louis, v/aere all goods of the Fond du Lac de- 
partment m.ust enter; this is at present the distribu- 
ting point, where the compar.v have an establishment, 
and the goods on bein;;: received from Kamanitiguia, are 
embarked for their different dc:;t:natior.s. That point 
also commands t'le communicatiou. wi.th Lakede Sable, 



£2 APPENDIX. 

Leech Lake, Red Lake, &e. &c. ike. I am also of opin- 
ion, the goods for Red River (if it is within our bounda*^ 
rj) would enter here, in preference to being exposed to 
seizure. It is worthy of remark, that the charter of 
the Hudson's Bay company extends to all its waters, 
and if the British government conceive they had author- 
ity to make such a grant, they certainly would claim 
the country therein speciiied, which would extend far 
south of the west line, from the head of the lake of the 
Woods. 

The nortli west company, v/ere about to push tlieir 
trade down the Mississippi, until they would have met 
the traders of Michilimackinac ; but I gave them to ur- 
derstand, that it could not be admitted. 

Z. M. PIKE, 1st Lt. 1st U. S. Regt.Infty. 

Deseription of the JV. W, Comjiaw/s Fort at Sandy Lake. 

The Fort at Sandy Lake is situated on the south side 
of the lake, near the E. end, and is a stockade cf 100 
feet square, with Bastions at the S. E. and N. Vv'. angles, 
pierced for small arms. 

The pickets are squared on the outside, round within 
of about one foot diameter, and are IS ^eet above ground. 

There are three gates : the principal one fronts the 
lake on the N. and is 10 feet by 9, the one on the W. 6 
feet by 4, the one on the E. 6 feet by 5. As you enter 
by the main gate you have on the left a building of one 
stary 20 feet square, the residence of the superintend- 
ant. Opposite to this house, on the left of the E. gate 
is a house 25 feet by 15, the quarters of the men. On 
entering the W. gate you find the store house on the 
right, 30 feet by 20, and, on your left, abiiilding40 (eft 
by 20, which contains rooms for clerks, a work-shcp? 
and provision store. 

On the W, and N. W. is an enclosure of about 4 acre? 
picketed in ; in which last year they raisecl 400 busheh 
of Irish potatoes, cultivating no other vegetable, hi 
t]u9 enclosure is a very ingeniouslij constructed vault, 
to contain the potatoes, but which likewise has secrd- 
fipartmentsj to conceal liquors, dry goods, ^c 



APPENDIX. S8 

^Description of the iV. TF. Company^ s Fort at Leech Lake, 

in Fehniarij, 1806. 
The fort is situated on the W. side of the lake, in 47 
deg. 16' 25" N. lat. It is built near the shore, on the 
declivity of a rising ground, having an enclosed garden 
of about 5 acres on the N. W. It is a square stool' ade 
of 150 feet, the pickets being 16 feet in length, 3 
feet under, and 13 above the ground, anil arc bound to- 
gether by horizontal bars, each 10 feel long. Pickets 
of 10 feet are likewise drove into the groutid, on the 
inside of the work, opposite the apertures between the 
large pickets. At the W. and E. angles are square bas- 
tions pierced for fire arms. 

The main building in the rear, fronting the lake, is CO 
feet by 25, 1 1-2 story high ; the W. end of which is oc- 
cupied by tlie director of the Fond du Lac department. 
He has a hall 18 idti square, bed room and kitchen, 
■with an office. The centre is a trading shop of 12 1-2 
itti square, with a bed room in the rear of the same di- 
mensions. The E. end is a large store 25 feet by 20, 
under which there is an ice house well filled. The loft 
extends over the whole building, and contains bales of 
goods, packs of peltries ; also chests with 500 bushels of 
wild rice. Besides the ice house tliere are cellars un- 
der all the other parts of the building. The doors and 
window shutters are musket proof. 

On the W. side is a range of buildings 54 by 18 feet, 
fronting the parade, i\\ii N. end of ^\ hich is a cooper's 
shop 13 by 14, with a cellar : joining to which is a room 
called the Indian hall (expressly for the reception of 
Indians, and in which the chiefs wlio met nie in coun- 
cil were entertained.) In this hall are tv»o closed bunks 
for interpreters : its dimensions are 22 feet by 18. Ad- 
joining to this is a room 18 feet square, for the clerks 
(in which my small party were quartered.) Under both 
of the latter rooms are cellars. 

On the E. side is a range o^ buildings 50 feet by 18, 
which has one room 20 feet and one of 15 feet, for quar- 
ters for the men ; also a blacksmith sliop of 15 feet, 
ivhich ia occupied by an exc^Ueut workman. On tkc 



m APPENDIX. 

left of the m?Au gate, fronting the river, is a flag staS 
50 feet in height. 

They inter.ded buildin.«r a small blockhouse over the 
main gate, fronting the lake, to place a small piece ot 
artillery in. There are, likewise, gates on the N. and 
E. fianks of about 10 feet by 8. 

Tfie price of goods in exchange with the Indians of this 

qiuirter, vi^, 

^ Dollars, 

blankets, 3 and 2 1-2 point each - plus 4 8 

Ditto 2 ditto, - - - 2 4 

Ditto 1 1-2 ditto, - - - 1 2 

Blue strouds, per fathom, - - - - 4 8 
Scarlet cloth, 8-6 ----- 6 12 

Worsted binding, per piece, _ - _ 4 8 

Vermillion, per pound, - . „ - 4 8 

Molten, blue and white, per fathom, - 2 4 

Gunpovi^der, per half pint, - - - 12 

Balls, SO per - - - - - -1 2 

Shot of all sorts, per handful, ---12 
Tobacco, per carrot, - - - - - 4 8 
Twist tobacco, per fathom, - - - 1 2 

Beaver traps, each, - - , -- - 4 8 
Half axes, --._-. 24 
Castites, - ^ . - '„ . - 1 <=$ 
K. W. Guns, each, - - - - 10 20 

Knives, •'--»„-„i2 

Wampum and silver works, there is no regulation, as 
well as Rum; but the real price of goods here in exchange 
for Peltry, is about two hundred and fifty per cent en 
ths prime costc 



APPENDIX. ^ 

(D.) 

To the Senate and House of Bepresentafives, 
I lay before Congress copies of certain documents 
which remain in the department of state. They prove 
that at a recent period, whilst the United vState?. noi- 
v.ithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, censed not 
to observe the laws of peace and nentrnlity to>A-ards 
Great Britain ; and in the midst of amicable profeBsion:^ 
and negociations on the part of the British govei-iimcnt 
through her public minister here, a secret agent of that 
g;overnment vras employed in certain states, more espe- 
cially at tlie scat of government (Boston) in Massachu- 
setts, in fomenting disaiieclion to the constituted author- 
ities of the nation, and intrigues with the disaffected, 
for the purpose of bringing about resistance to the laws ; 
and eventually, in concert with a British force, of de- 
stroying the Union and forming the eastern part thereof 
into a political connection with Great Britain. 

In addition to the eiiect of which the discovery of 
such a procedure ought to have on the public councils, 
it will not fail to render more dear to the hearts of all 
good citizeiis that happy union of these states, v.liich^ 
under divine Provideucii, is the guarantee of their liber- 
ties, tiieir safety, their tranquility, and their pros-}i»rifv- 

JAMES MM)I80N/' 
Mtrch 9th, 181:2. 

^}L\ Henri/ to Mr. Monrnr, 

* Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 181^2. 
To James Monroe, Esq. 

Secretavij of State, <§'c. 
S IR-— ?viuch observation and experience iiave coHvln- 
ced me, that tlie injuries and insults Vvuh which tho 
United States have been so long and sofrevjuently visit- 
ed, and which cause their present einbarra.i^ment, have 
been owing to an opinion entertained by foreign fcilateff, 
<-' ihrtin any measure tending to 'ji'Gundthe.lr prhlcyor jrro- 
voke their hostlUiiiAhe s^overnuienl of thi^ Loniil'ry could 
never inducea great majority of its citizen:-^ to concur^'' — 
And as many of the c>;l.^ A/liich fiuw from (he influence 

W i 



26 APPENDIX. 

of this opinion on tlie policy of foreign nations, may be 
removed by an act that can produce unanimity among 
TAHTiEs IN AMERICA., I voluiitarily tender to you, sir, 
such, -.neans, as I possessj towards promoting so desirable 
and iiiiportant an object; which if accomplished cannot 
fail Ic extinguish, perhaps forever, those expectations 
abroad, wliich may protract indefinitely an accommoda- 
tion of existing differences, and check the progress of 
industry and prosperity in this rising empire. 

I have the honor to transmit to you the documents 
and correspondence relating to an important mission in 
;^^hich I was employed by sir James Craig, the late 
#:^oveVnor general of the British provinces, in North . 
■America, in the winter of the year 1809. 

The publication of these papers will demonstrate a 
fact not less valuable than the good already proposed ; 
it will prove that no reliance ought to be placed on the 
professions of good faith of an administration, which 
by a series of disastrous events, has fallen into such 
hands r-s a Castlereagh, a WcUesley or a Liverpool ; I 
should rar\her say into the bauds of the stupid subalterns, 
to v/hom the* pU r.nrres and the indolence of those mill- 
inters have consii'/ ,il it. 

In contributing to the g-ood of the United States by an 
e-xposition whicii cannot (I think) fail to solve and melt 
£aI division and disunion among its citiz,ens,I flatter my- 
self v.'ith the fond ey.pectation that when it is nrntle pub- 
lic in Engknd it vill add one great motive to the many 
ih?t already exist to induce that nation to withdraw its 
confidence from men ichose political career is afrziiffid 
source of injury end enibarrassraent in ^^merica ; of 
injustice and raii-Qvii in Ireland ; or distress and appra- 
i/mdifU in Etigland : and contempt every where. In 
raaking thi;} communication to you, sir, I deem it incum- 
hunt on me diritidctly and unequivocally to state, that 1 
steopt no party views ; that I have not changed any of my 
' TioMtical opinions: that I neither seek nor desire the 
patronage nor countenance of any government nor of 
iinv partr : 'and that in addition to the motives alreadv 
♦ xpre*sc'J. I am influenced by a just resentment oj tiie 
fi^'i'di/ and f^h7v':;^'f/^ oj^ifiok-e ichoj'r?t violated the co7i^ 



APPENDIX. i^r 

ditlon<i upon which I received their ccvf.dence : -wlio 
have injured me and diappointed the cxpecto.tiojis of iny 
friends, and left me no choice but betuccn a degiiidins 
acquiescence in injustice, and a retaliation which is ne- 
cessary to secure to me my own respect. 

This wound will be felt where it is merited ; and if 
sir James Cratg still lives, his share of the pain vall 
excite no sympathy among those who are at all lii the. 
secret of our connection. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient ner- 
vant, &c. &c. . 

(Signed) J. KENRY. -^^ 

No. I. . 

Mr. Ryland^ secretary^ to sir James Craig, late Gover- 
nor General of the British provinces in JS^orth AmeT' 
ica, to Mr, Henry. 

APPL-ICATION TO UNDERTAKE THE MISSION TO Trifi . 

UNITED STATES. 

[Most secret and confidential.] 

Quebec, 26th January ^ 1S09. 
My dear sir, — The extraordinary situation of tilings 
at this time in the neigiiboring slates has suggested U} 
the Governor in Chief, the idea of eittploying you on a. 
secret and confidential mission to Boston, provided an 
arrangement can be made to meet the important end in. 
view, without throwing an absolute obstacle in tlie way' 
of your professional pursuits. The inforination and 
political observations heretofore received from you wsra 
transmitted hy his excellency to the serrdarj of f-^fciey 
who has expressed his particular approbation of ihe.iii^ 
and there is no doubt that your able execution ff such a 
mission as I have above suci::esited would ;^'ive yon a claiv.i 
not only on ihe governor general but on his rnajesty^i^ 
ministers which might eventually contribute to your 
advantas^. You will have the goodness therefore, t^t 
acquaint me for his excelleccy's information whethei * 
you could make it conviMiient to engage in a missiv-n of 
this nature, and what f>ccun!ary assistance wouitl b.-i 
requisite to enable you to undertake it \TitHovt i'jjury 
to yourself. 



2S APPENDIX, 

At present it is only necessary for mC to add, that the 
governor would furnish you with a cypher for carrying 
f)n your correspondence, and that in case the leading 
party in one of the states wished to open a comniunica- 
tioii witli this government, their views might be com- 
snunicated through you. 

I arn, with great truth and regard, my dear sir, your 
most faithful, humble servant. 

(Signed) HERMAN W. PvYLAND'. 

• John Henry, Esq, 

No. 11. 
General instructions from sir J, IL Cvatg to Mr, Hen- 

ry respecting his secret viission. 

His Excellency the govcinor in chief ^s instructions to 

Mr. Henry, February 1809. 

[^icst secret and confidential.] 

(^^ff&^c, 6th February^ 1809. 

Si?.-— As you have so readily undertaken the service 
.j^yhich I liave suggested to you as being likely to be at- 
'ended with rmuch benefit to the public interests, I am 
to 2 cquest that with your earliest conveniency yon will 
proceed to Boston. 

The principal object that I recommend to your atten- 
tion is the endeavor to obtain the most accurate informa- 
tion of the true state of affiJrs in that part of the union, 
vvlvlch, from its weakh, the number of its inhabitants, 
'(Tj] the known intelligence and ability of several of its 
r-'ading men must naturally possess a very considerable 
,hle inliiience over, and will indeed probably lead 
the other eastern ttate? of Aia erica in the part they may 
take at this important crisis. 

1 shall not pretend to point out to you the mode by 
which you will be rn.ost likely to obtain this important 
in formation; yoin* ovv^n judgemciit and the connections 
.\fhich you may have in the town must be your guide. 

ji think it however necessary to put you on your guard 
against the sanguineness of an aspiring party ; tlie fed- 
eralists as I understand have at all times discovered a 
leardng to this disposition, and their being under its par- 
ticular influence at this moment, is the more to be ex- 
pected frcm their having no ill founded ground for their 



APPENDIX. 'Z'^ 

j^ope's (^^\ii:^\i\g nearer the attainment of thtiv oojtci tharx 
they have been for some years past. 

In the general ternift which I have made use of ia de- 
scribino; the object which I reconiir.end to your a,lleii- 
tion ; it is scarcely necessary that I s-hoiild observe, A 
include the state of the public opiiiion, both with regard 
to thsir internal politics and to the probability of a v/ar 
vvith England ; the comparative strength of the two 
great parties into v/nich the country is divided, and the 
views and designs of that which may ultiinately prevail* 
It has been supposed that if the federalists of the caR^ 
tern states should be successful in obtainiiii; tliat decid- 
ed influence, which n?ay enable them to direct the pubr 
lie opinion, it is not improbable, that rather tlian sub- " 
mit to a continuance of the difficulties and distress to 
which they are now subject, they will exert that influ- 
ence to bring about a separation from tlie general 
union. The earliest information on this subject may be 
of great consequence to our government, as it may also 
be, that it should be informed how far in such cm event 
they would look to England f(^r assistance or be dispos- 
ed to enter into a connection with us. 

Although it would be highly inexpedient that you 
should in any manner appear as an avo-,sed agent, yet if 
you could contrive to obtain an intimacy with any of 
the leading party, it may not be improper that you should 
insinuate, though with great caution, that it'^hcj/ shoidd 
it'ish to enter into any communication iviih our ^"^overn- 
ment through me you are authorised to recieve any suchy. 
and will safely transmit it to :m, and as it mayViOt be 
impossible that they should require soni(i doc-iment by 
which they may be asssured, that you are really in th"e 
situation in which you represent yourself, I enclose a 
credential to be produced in tiiat view ', but I mo^t par- 
ticularly enjoin and direct, you do not ip.ake use of tJiis 
paper, unless a desire to that purpose siiould be express- 
ed, and 2Cnless you sec good ground for expecting that 
the doing so may lead to a more conftdeniial ccnimuni' 
cation, than you can otherwise look for. 

In passing through t!ie state of VcrmoLt, you will 
of course exert your endeayors to procv.re all #.e infiT- 

V/3 ' ^ 



30 APPENDIX. 

>nation that the short stay you will probably make there 
will admit of. You Aviil use your own discretion as to- 
delayiag your journey, with this view, more or less, in 
(Proportion to your prospects of obtaining any informa- 
don of consequence. 

I request to hear from you as frequently as possible, 
and as letters directed to me might excite suspicion, it 
!nay be as well that you put them under cover to Mr. 

- — ', and as even the addressino; letters alwavs to 

die same person might attract notice, I recommend your 
•sometimes addressing your packet to the chief Justice 
here, or occasionally, though seldom, to Mr. Rylandj 
but never with the addition of his official description. 

I am sir, your most obedient humble servant. 
(Signed;) J. ii. CRAIG. 

John Henri/, Esq. 

No. ill. 

SRRBENTIAL FROM Sill JAMES CRAIG TO MR. HKNRY^ 

6th FEB. 1809. 

C^^Py) [seal.] 

The bearer Mr. John Henry, is employed by me, and 
full confidence may be placed in him for any communis 
cation v;hich any person may wish to make to me in the 
business committed to him. In faith of which I have 
given liim this under my hand and seal at Quebec, the 
6t!i of February, 1809. 

Signed, J» H. CRAIG. 

No. IV. 

Jfr, Henry^s letters to sir James Craig, written whilst 

employed on a mission to Boston. 
^nszvev to the letter of Mr. Secretary lit/land, proposing 

the mission, Sfc, 
No. 1. 

Montreal, January ST, 1809. 
I have to acknowledge the favor of your letter of 
ilie 26t]i inst. written by the desire of his excellency 
the Gov. in chief; and hasten to express, through you, 
to his excellency my readiness to comply with his wishes. 
I need net add how very flattering it is to receive 
from his €x,(;.glleacy the assurance of the approbation ©f 



APPEXDiX. 31 

his majesty's secretary of state for the very humble 
services that I ma}'^ have rendered. 

If the nature of tiie services in vvliich I am to be enga- 
ged will require no other disbursements than for my in- 
dividual expences, I do not apprehend that these can 
exceed my private resources. 

I shall be ready to take my departure before my in- 
structions can be made out. 

] have the honor to be, &c. J. H'y, 

H, W, Biflamlf esq. sec. c^c. 

No. 2. 
To his Excellency the Governor General, S^c. in answer 
to his letter of instructions. 

Montreal, February 10, 1809. 
Sir — I have the iionor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your excellency's letter of instructions, the letter of 
vietlence, and the cypher for carrying on my correspon- 
dence. I have bestowed much pains upon the cypher, 
and am notwithstanding this, deficient in some points 
winch mi«;!it enable nie to understand it clearlv. 1 have 
compared the example with my own exemplification of 
the cypher, and f^nd a diftcrence in the results; and as 
the present moment seems favorable to the interference 
of his majesty's government in the measures pursued 
by the federal party in the northern states, and more 
especially as i\Q assembly of Massachusetts is now in 
session, I think it better to set forward immediately, 
than wait for any further explanation of the means of 
carrying on a secret correspondence ; which the fre- 
quency of safe private conveyance to Canada will ren- 
der almost wholly unnecessary. Sliould it however be 
necessary at any tiu^.e, I take leave to suggest that the 
Index alone furnishes a very safe and simple mode. In 
it there is a number for every letter in the alphabet, and 
particular numbers, for particular phrases ; so that when 
I do not find in the index the particular word I want, 
can spell it with the figures which stand opposite to the 
letters. For example if I want to say that " troops are 
at Albany," I find under the letter " t" that number 15 
stands for * troops' and a number 125 for >^ Albany." 



r,2 APPENDIX-, 



O/w 



The intervening words ^* are aV^ I supply by figured 
eorrespouding v/ith the letters in these words. 

It will be necessary to provide against accident by 

addressing the letters t® Mr. — , of Montreal^ 

%vith a small mark on the corner of the envelope which 
he will understand. When he recieves it, he will then 
address the inciosure to your excellency and send it 
from Montreal by mail. I w^illbe careful notto address 
your excellency in the body of the letters, nor sign my 
name to any of them. — They will be merely designated 
by the initials A. B. 

If this mode should in any respect appear exceptioir- 
able, your excellency will have the goodness to order a 
more particular explanation of the card. It would reach 
me in safety addressed to — > ^ Boston. 

I have the honor to be, &c. J. IVy, 

No. 3. 
Burlington, Vermonf, Feb. 14, 1809. 

Sir — I have remained here two days in order fully t© 
ascertain the progress of the arrangements heretofore 
made, for organizing an efScient opposition to the gene- 
ral government, as well as to become acquainted with 
the opinions of the leading people, relative to the mea- 
sures of that party which has the ascendancy in the na- 
tional councils. 

On the S)Ul)ject of the embargo lav/s there seems but 
one opinion ; namely, that they are unnecessary, oppres- 
sive and unconstitutional. It must also be observed 
that the execution of them is so invidious as to attract 
towards the oificei^s of government the enmity of the 
people, which is of course transferrable to the govern- 
ment itself; so that in case the state of Massaciiusetts 
should take any bold st^p towards resisting the execu- 
tion of these laws, it is highly probable that it may cal- 
culate upon the hearty co-operation of the people of 
Vermont. 

I learn that the governor of this state is now visiting 
the towns in the northern section of it ; and makes no 
secret determination, as commander in chief of the mi- 
litia, to refuse obedience to any command from the gea- 



APPEN DIX. 33 

6rai government \vhich can (end to iiiterrupt the good 
andersttindins; that prevails i)ctv/een the citizens of 
Vermont and his majesty's subjects in Canada. It is 
further intimated, that in case of a war, he will use his 
influence to preserve the jitate neutral, and resist with 
all WiQi forte he can command, 'd.Yiy attempt tc make it a 
party. I need not add, that if these resohjlions are 
carried into etiect, tlie state of Vermont may be consid- 
ered as an ally of Great Britain. 

To v/hat GYJ:e.i\t the sentiments which prevail in this 
quarter exist ii\ the neighboring states, or even in the eas- 
tern section of this state, I am not abie to conjecture. I 
only can say, with certainty, that the leading men of 
the federal party act in concert ; and, therefore infer, 
that a common sentiment pervades the Mhole body 
throudiout New Ens-land. 

I have seen a letter from a senfieman nov»' at Wash-* 
ington to nis correspondent in this place ; and as its 
contents may serve to throw some light on passing events 
there, I shall send either the original or a copy with this 
dispatch. The writer of the letter is a man of charac-. 
ter and veracity ; and v/hether competent or not to 
form- correct opinions himself, is probably within the 
reach of all the icnowledge that can be obtained by the 
party to which he belongs. It appears by his statement 
that there is a very formidable majority in congress on 
the side of the admlnisiratiori, notwithstanding which 
there is every reason to hope, that the northern states in 
their distinct capacity will unite and resist by force a 
war with Great Britain. In what mode this resistance 
will iirst shev/ itself, is probably not yet determined 
upon ; and may in some measure depend upon the reli- 
ance that the leading men may place upon asi-urancef^ 
of support from his majesty's representative in Canada ; 
and as I shall be on the spot to tender tliis whenever 
the moment arrives that it can be done with eSect : there 
i^ no doubt that all their measures may be made subor- 
dinate to the intentions of his majesty's government. 
Great pains are taken by the men of talents and intelli- 
gence to confirm the fears of the common people, as to 
Ihc concurrence v^f tUii- soiitl'cru deaiucrat^ 5-a the pro- 



34 APPENDIX. 

jects of France ; and every thing iaxidn to encouraje. 
the belief, that the dissolution of the confederacy will 
be accelerated by that spirit which now actuates both 
political parties. 

I am &c. A. B, 

No. 4. 

Windsor, Vermonty Feb. 10, 1309. 

Sir — My last (No. 3.) was written at Burlington, the 
principal town in the northern part of the state of 
Vermont. L am now at the principal town in the eas- 
ern section. 

The fallacy of men's opinions when they act under 
the influence of sensibility, and are strongly excited by 
those hopes which always animate a rising party, lead 
me to doubt the correctness of the opinions which I re- 
ceived in the northern section of this state : which ^. 
from its continuity to Canada and necessary intercourse 
with Montreal, has a stronger interest in promoting a 
good understanding with his majesty's government.. 
Therefore since my departure from Burlington, I have 
sought every favorable occasion of conversing with the 
democrats on the probable resnlt of the policy adopted 
by the general government. The difference of opinion: 
is thus expressed. 

The federal party declare, that in the event of a war^ 
the state of Vermont will treat separately for itself with 
Great-Britain ;^ and support to the utmost the stipula- 
tions in which it may enter without any regard to the 
policy of the general government. The democrats on 
ti<>e other hand assert^ that, in such a case as that con- 
templated, the people would be nearly divided into equal 
numbers ; one of which would support the government 
if it could be done without involving the people in a 
civil war ; but at all events Vv'ould risk everv thing; in 
preference to a coalition with Great Britain. This dif- 
ference of opinion is not to be wholly ascribed to the 
prej'ddices of party. The people in the eastern section 
of Vermont are not operated upon by the same fears as 
those on the borders of the British colony. These are 
»ot dependent upon Montreal for the sale of their pro- 



APPENDIX. 33 

duce nor i]ie supply of foreign commodities. They are 
not apprehensive of any serious dangers or inconve- 
nience from a state of war, and although they admit that 
the Governor, council and three fourths of the represen- 
tation in congress are of the federal party, yet they do 
not helieve that the state would stand alone and resist 
the national government. They do not however den}'^ 
that should the state of Vermont continue to be repre 
sented as atpresent,it would in all probability unite with 
the neighboring states, in any serious plan of i-esistance 
to a war, which it might seem expedient to adopt. This 
I think is the safer opinion for you to rely on ; if indeed 
reliance ought to be placed on any measure dependinc; 
upon the will of the rabble, whicn is ever changing and 
wiust ever be marked with ignorance, caprice and incon- 
stancy^ As the crisis approaches, the difficulty of de- 
ciding upon an hazardous alternative will increase ; and 
unfortunately there is not in Vermont any man of com- 
manding talents, capable of attracting general confi- 
dence ; of infusing into the people his own spirit ; and 
amidst the confusion of conflicting opinions, dangers 
and commotions, competent to lead in the path of duty 
or safety. The Governor is an industrious, prudent 
man, and has more personal influence than any other; 
but his abilities are not suited to the situations in which 
<a civil war would place him* 

I am, &c. A, B. 

No. 5. 
Jlmherst. J>r. Hampshire, Feb. S3, 1809. 

Sir — A gentleman going direct to Canada, aifords <t 
^afe and favorable opportunity of giving you some fur- 
ther account of my progress. I will not n>ake use of 
the post office, when 1 can avoid it ; because private 
occasions supercede tlic necessity of writing in cypher ; 
and tlie contempt of decency and principle, wliicli forms 
part of tiie morals of the subaltern oflicei-s of a democ- 
racy, would incline them to break a seal with the same 
indifference, that they break their words, when either' 
curiosity or interest is to be indulged. 

I have not had sufficient time nor evidence, to enable 
me to form any opiniofi for 'tfij^self oi the ler^tlis to 



S6 APPENDIX, 

M'hich the federal party will carry opposition to ihc 
national government in tlie event of a v*'ar. ^luch may 
be inferred from the result of the electiojiof governors 
which witiiin two months will l)c made in the states of 
Massacliu setts, New Hainpsliire and Rhode Island. 
From all I know and all 1 can learn of the a-eneral aov- 
ernment, I am not apprehensive of an immediate war, 
T!ie embargo is the fiivorite measure ; and it is probable 
tliat other means will be employed to excite England 
to commit some act of hostility, for the sole purpose of 
placing the responsibility of war on that country ; this 
I most particularly recommend to the consideration of 
ministers. The dread of opposition, and the loss of 
popularity, will certainly keep the ruling party at Wash- 
ington inactive. They will risk any thing but the loss 
of power ; and they are well aware that their power 
would pass away with the first calamity which their 
measures might bring upon the common people (from 
whom that power emanates.) unless indeed they could 
find a sufficient excuse in the conduct of Great Britain. 
This impression cannot be too deeply felt by his majes- 
ty's ministers, nor too widely spread throughout tlie 
British naj;ion. It will furnish a sure guide in every 
policy that may be adopted towards the United States. 
I liave tlve honor to be, &c. A. B. 

No. 6. 

Boston, March 5, 1S09. 

Sir^ — I am favored with another opportunity of writing 
to you by a private conveyance ; and think it probable, 
at this season, that the frequency of these will render 
it unnecessary to write to you in cypher. 

It does not yet appear necessary, that I siiould dis- 
cover to any person the purpose of my visit to Boston : 
nor is it probable that I shall be compelled, for the sake 
of gaining more knowledge of the arningements of the 
federal party of these states, to avov/ myself as a regu- 
lar authorised agent of the Eritisli government even to 
those individuals who would feel equally bound with 
myself to preserve with the utmost inscruta^bility so im- 
|^>or(ant a secret from the public eye. 



AWENDIX. sr 

1 have sufficient means of information to enable r,XA to 
judge of the proper period for offering the cooperation 
of Great Britain and opening a correspondence hetiveen 
the governor general of British jIw erica and those indi- 
viduals icho,from the part they take in the opposition to 
the national government, er the influence they may pos 
sess in any new order of things that mny groiv out of the: 
present differences, should be cmalificMl to act in behalf of 
the northern states. An apprehension of a;ny such 
state of things, as is presupposed hy these remarks be- 
gins to subside, since it has appeared, bj the conduct of 
the general government, that it is seriously alarmed at. 
the menacing attitude of the northern states, liut al- 
though it is believed that there is no probability of an 
immediate war, yet no doubts are entertained, that Mr, 
Madison will fall upon some new expedients to bring 
about hostilities. .V/hat these may be can only be de- 
duced from what appears to be practicable. A nonin- 
tercoitrse with England and France will probably super- 
cede the embargo ; which by opening witli tlie rest of 
Europe a partial legitimate commerce, and aftording 
strong temptations to that which is illega,!, will expose 
the vessels to capture, detention and embarrassiricnt ; 
"Will justify the present policy ; and produce a de- 
gree of irritation and resentment as will enable the gov- 
ernment of this country to thiow the whole blaire and 
responsibility of war from its own shoulders upon tliosn 
of the British ministry. If in this, the party attached 
to Franca should <^alculate with correctness, and th(5 
coiTimerce of New England would greatly suffer, t!ie 
-merchants being injured and discouraged would net only 
jicquiesce in the restrictive systcfii, but even submit !•> 
war. On the other hand, should the small trafilc per- 
mitted by a noiiintercourse lav»- he lucrative^, and urjin- 
terru]>ted, tl-e people would be clamorous for more, and 
soon compel the goverfimeiit to restore the fiicndly re- 
lations between the two countries. While I oficr my 
opinion upon (his subject, I cannot exprccs bvt a &tron;5 
hope that if any terms should be proposed by clUier goi - 
^rnmeiit, to v,hich the othor nsight think proper to ac° 

X 



.5B APPENDIX. 

cede, that a principal motive to the adjilstmcMt of dif- 
fcrences should be understood to arise Irom the amicable 
disposition of the eastern states, particularly of the state 
of Massachusetts. This, as it would increase the pop- 
ularity of the friends of Great Britain, could not fail to 
promote her interests. If it could not be done formal- 
ly and olTicially, nor in a correspondence between min- 
isters, still perliaps the administration in the parliament 
of Great Britain might take that ground, and the sug- 
gestion would find its way into tke papers both in Eng- 
land and America. 

It cannot be too frequently repeated, that this country 
can only be governed and directetl by the inliuence of 
opirxion •, as fptore i^ nothing permanent in its political 
iristitulions, noi-are the populace under any circumstan- 
r.e^ to be relied on, when measures become inconvenient 
and burdensome. I will soon write again, and am, ^c, 

A. B. 

No. 7. 

Boston, March 7, 1809. 

3ii?~«l n£:ve new a=;C0rtained, witli as much accuracy 
.1- pos?.iele, the covirso. intended to be pursued by the 
xsr r.&ures and politic- of the administration of the gen- 
crai g^overnment. 

1 h;:ve already crb en a decided opinion that a declara- 
tion of war is not te be expected ; but, contrary to all 
roa:',o lablc calcai.ition.rliouldthe congress possess spir- 
it aird Independeiice cr:ough to place their popularity iu 
i*: opariy by so strong a measure, the legislature of Mas- 
'scLCiiueetts'will give the tone to the neighboring states ; 
will declare Itself permanent until a new election of 
mciribers t ir^ite a ccBgress to be /composed of delegate?^ 
iron the federal g.latns.rind erect a separate government 
fcr their common defence and common interest. 

'I'his congros? wcnjld begin by abrogating the offen- 
sive laws, and jidopting a plan for the maintenance of 
the DC V,' er a nd avitaority thus assumed. They would by 
?.uch an act be in a condition to make or receive propo- 
?£:h; from G real: Britaia^ and I should seize tbe first 
mgrne-r: Co <>poTi a correr-poi^dence with your e«xcellency. 



i 



APPENDIX. Si> 

Scarce any ether aid would he necessarj, and perhaps 
none required, than a few vessels of war iVoai the lla-li-- 
I'ax station, to protect the maritinui towns from tlie liltle 
navy which is at the disposal of tlie nutional government. 
What permanent connexion between Great Britain and 
this section of the republic v onld ^vvw out of a civil 
commotion such as might be expected, no person i^ pre- 
pared to describe ; but it seems that a strict aUiance 
must result of necessity* At present the oppoiitioa 
party confine their calculations merely to rc&is,{ance ^ 
and 1 can a;^sure you that at this mo^went they do do^ 
freely entertain the project of witUdra winj^ tljc tattern 
states from the union, finding it a very ])arlicular topic .; 
although a course of events, such as I have before ineii- 
tioned, would inevitably produce an incurable aliena- 
tion of the New Endand from the southern states. Tha 
truth is, the common people liave so long regarded x le 
ronstitution of the United States with complacency tiia| 
they are now only disposed in this quarter to treat it 
like a truant mistress, whom they v.oald for a time put 
away on a separate n^.aintenance, but, Vrilhciit fintlier 
and greater provocation, would not absolutely rer)udis.t2. 

It will soon be known in what situation public aifairs 
are to remain until the meeting of the nev/ congre'^s in 
May, at which time also this legislature wiii &2:ain as- 
sernblc. The two months that intervene will be .1 pci/iod 
of much anxiety. 

In all I have written, I have been careful no: t > make 
any impression analogous to the enthusiastic cc^niidenee 
entertained by the opposition, nor to the hopes and ex- 
pectations that animate ihe friends of an alliance be- 
tween the northern states a.nd Great Britain. I have 
abstracted myself from all the sympathies these are cal- 
culated to inspire ; beca.use, notwithstandi'in: thatl feel 
the utmost confidence in the integrity of intention of the 
leading characters in this political dr;iTna, I cannot forget 
that they derive their power from a giddy inconstant mul- 
titude I who, unless in the instance under consideratioa 
they form an eiception to all general rules and experl- 
eiicCy Will act inconsistently and absiirdlyo 

I am, &c, A. Bo 



40 APPENDIX. 

No. 8. 

Boston, March 10, 1809. 

Sir— -In my letter No. G, I took the liberty to express 
Tc,y opinion of the probable eftect of the nonintercoursc 
law intended to be enacted ; and of the mode bj Avhich 
Great Britain mav defeat the real inteiition of the 
American government in ])assing it.. But as the sort of 
impunity recommended miglit, in its application lo ev- 
ery species of commerce tluit would be carried cp, be 
deemed by Great Britain a greater evil tlian war itself, 
ii middle course might easily be adopted, which would 
deprive France of tiie benetit resulting from an inter- 
course with America, without, in anj great degree, ir- 
ritating the maritime states. 

The high price of all American produce in France 
furnishes a temptation which mercantile avarice will be 
unable to resist. The consequence is obvious. But if 
instead of condemning the ^ essels and cargoe& Avhich 
may be arrested in pursuing this prohibited commerce, 
they should be compelled to go into a British port, and 
there permitted to sell them, I think the friends of Eng- 
land in tliese states, v.'ould not utter a complaint. In- 
deed, 1 ha>e no doubt that if, in the prosecution of a 
lawful voyage, the British cruisers sliould treat Ameri- 
can ships in tliis manner, their ov, ners would in the pre- 
sent state of the European markets, think them.selves 
very fortunate, as it would save them the trouble and 
expcnce cf landing them in a neutral port, and from 
ibence resiliip them to England, nov/ the best market in 
Europe far the produce of this country. The govern- 
•jT.eiitof the United States would probably complain, 
iind Bonaparte become peremptory ; but even that would 
€111 y tend to render the opposition in the northera 
states more resolute and accelerate the dissolution of 
the. confederacy. The generosity and justice of Great 
Britain would be extolled, and the commercial states 
exult in tlte success of individuals over a government 
inimical to commerce, and to whose measures they c";a 
no longer submit with patient acquiescence* 



APPENDi:x. U 

The elections are be^un ; and I presume no vigilanc« 
or industry will be remitted to insure the success of the 
federal party. I am, &c. A. B. 

P. S. Intelligence has reached Boston, that a nonin^ 
tercourse law has actually passed, and that Martinique 
has surrendered to the British foices. 

No. 9. 

Boston, March 13, 1809.^ 
Sir — Yon will perceive from the accounts that will 
reach you in the public papers both from Washington 
and Massachusetts, that the federalists of the northern 
states have succeeded in making the congress believe, 
that with such an opposition as they would make to the 
general government, a war must be cronfined to their 
own territory, and might be even too much for that gov- 
ernment to sustain. The consequence is, that after all 
the parade and menaces with which the session com- 
menced, it has been suftered to end without carrying 
into effect any of the plans of the administration, 
except the interdiction of commercial intercourse with 
England and France ; an event that was anticipated in 
my former letters. 

Under what new circumstances the congi'css will meet 
in May, will depend on the state elections and the chan- 
ges that may in the mean time take place in Europe. 
With regard to Great Britain, she can scarce mistake 
] er true policy iu relation to America. If peace be th* 
first object, every act v/liich can irritate the maritime 
states ought to be avoided; because the prevailing dispo- 
sition of tliese will generally be suflicient to keep the 
government from liazarding any hostile measuve. If a 
war between Anieriea and France be a grand desidera- 
tum, something more must be done, an indulgent concil- 
iatory policy must be adopted, which will leuvc the de- 
mocrats without a pretext for b.ostilitie? ; and Bonaparte 
whose passions are too hot ft>r dday, will |»rob'iltly corn- 
pel this government to decide which of ihe two gr<^at 
belligerents is to be its e-iGiny. To briii^ about a sepa- 
ration of t\vc states, under disUnct and indepeiident 
g.overnmente, is an aftkir of more uncoriainty : and^ 

V o 



42 APPENDIX. 

however desirable, cannot be effected but bv a scries of 
acts and long continued policy, tending to imtate the 
southern and conciliate the nortiiern people. The for- 
mer agricultural, the latter a commercial people. The 
mode of cheering and depressing either is too obvious 
to require illustration. This, I am aware, is an object 
of much interest in Great Britain, as it would forever 
secure the integrity of his majesty's possessions on the 
continent and make the two governments of ^vhatever 
number the present confederacy might form into, as use- 
ful and as much subject to tbe in^uence of Great Britain 
as her colonies can be rendered. But it is an object on- 
ly to be attained by slow and circumspect progression, 
and requires for its consummation more attention to the 
affairs which agitate and excite parties in this country, 
than Great Britain has je^t bestowed upon it. An \jn- 
popular war — that it is a war produced by the hatred 
and prejudices of one party, but against the consent of 
tlie other party, can alone produce a sudden separation 
€f any section of this country from the common head. 

At ail events, it cannot be necessary to the preserva- 
tion of peace, that Great Britain should make any great 
concession at the present moment 5 more especially as 
the more important changes that occur in Europe might 
render it convenient for her to adhere to any stipulation 
in favor of neutral maritime nations. 

Although the nonintercourse law affords but a partial 
relief to the people of this country from tlie evils of 
that entire suspension of commerce to which they have re- 
luctantly submitted for some time past, I lament the 
repeal of the embargo ; because it was calculated to ac- 
celerate the progress of these states towards a revolu- 
tion tliat would have put an end to the only republic 
"that remains to prove that a government founded on 
political equality can exist in a season of trial and dif- 
licultjf.; orh calculated to insure either security or liap- 
piness to a people- I am &c. A. B. 

No. 10. 

Boston, March 9.9, 1S09. 
.■3ir— -Since my letter of the ISth, nothiag has occur- 
:*:d Vi^hich I thou£;ht worthy of comniunicatit'n,- 



APPENDIX. 43 

'Pp.c last week of this mortth and the fii-fit of April 
"wUl be occupied in the election of governors and oilier 
executive officers in tlie New England states. 

The federal candidate in Nevz-Hampshii-c is already 
elected by a majority of ahout 1000 vote^. His coin- 
petitor was a man of large fortune, extensive connexions 
and inoPiensive manners. These account fortlie small- 
ncss of the majority. 

In Connecticut, no change is necessary, and none ia 
to be apprehended. 

1r Rhode Island, it is of no consequence of what par- 
ty the governor is a member, as he has neither civil nor 
militdry power, being merely pres;ident of the council. 

In Massachus-etts, ills certain that the federal candi- 
date will succeed, 

A few ^veeks will be suSclent in order to determine 
the relative strength of parties, and convince Mr. iSiul- 
ison that a war with Great Britain is not a meas-ure 
upon v.'hich he dare venture. Since the plan of an or- 
ganized opposition to the projects of Mr. Jcff'er.^on was 
put into operation, the whole of the Nev/ England states 
have transferred tiieir political power to his political 
enemies, and the reason t!iat he has still so many ad- 
herents is, that those wlio consider x\\z only true policy 
of America to consist in the cultivation of peace, have 
still great confidence, that nothing can force him (or 
his successor who acts up to his sysiem or rather is gov- 
erned by it) to consent to war. They consider all i^rte 
menaces and " da-eadfuj note of preparation'' to be a 
mere finesse, intended to obtain concession from Eng- 
land on cheap terms. From G\'yij sort of evidence, I 
confess I am myself of the same opinion ; and am lully 
persuaded that the farce which has been acting at 
Wasiiington will terminate in full proof of the imbecil- 
ity and spiritless temper of the actors. A war attempted 
v/ithout tiie concurrence of both parties, and the gen- 
eral consent of the nortriern states, v/hich constitute, 
the bone and muscie of the country, must commence 
without hope and end in disgrace. It should, thereforfj, 
be the peculiar care of G. Britain to footer divisions le- 



44 APPENDIX. 

twccn the north and south; and by succeeding in this, 
she m»y carry into effect her own projects in Europe, 
Avith a total disregard to the resentment of the demo- 
crats of this country. I am, &c. A. B. 

No. 11. 

Boston, .^pr it 13, 1809. 
Sir — 1 send to Mr. R. a pamphlet entitled " Sup- 
pressed Documents." The notes and comments wire 
written by the gentleman who has written the " analy- 
sis," which 1 sent by a former conveyance. The*e 
works have greatly contributed to excite i}\Q fears of the 
men of talents and property ; who now prefer the 
chance of liiaintaining their party hn open resistance 
and a final separation to an alliance with France, and a 
war with England. So that should the government un- 
expectedly and contrary to all reasonable calculation, 
attempt to involve the country in a measure of that na- 
ture, I am convinced (now that the elections have all 
terminated favorably) that none of the New England 
states would be a party in it. — But, as Ihave repeated- 
ly written, the general government does not seriously 
entertain any such desire or intention. Had the ma- 
jority in the New England states continued to approve 
of the public measures, it is extremely probable that 
Great Britain would now have to choose between war 
and concession. But the aspect of things in this res- 
pect is c'langed ; and a war would produce an incura- 
ble alienation of the eastern states, and bring the whole 
country in subordination to the interests of England, 
whose navy would prescribe and enforce the terms 
upon which the commer-^ial states should carry and the 
agricultural states export their surplus produce. All 
tliis is as well known to the democrats as to the other 
party ; therefore they will avoid a war, at least until 
the whole nation is unanimous for it. Still when ws 
consider of what materials the government is formed, 
it is impossible to speak with any certainty of their 
measures. The past administration in every transaction 
presents to the mind only a muddy commixture of folly,, 
wcakn:;33 and fjupllcity. The spell, by whicl* the na- 



APPENDIX. 43 

tions of Europe have been rendered inert and incfficienit 
•when they attcinj)ted to shake it oft*, has stretched its 
shadows across the Atlantic and made a majority of tlie 
people of these states alike blind to duty and to their 
interests. laniyikc. A. B, 

No. 12, 

Bostov, April 9,6, 1809. 

»Sir — Since mj letter No. 11. I have had but little to 
communicate. 

I have not yQ,i been able to ascertain with suOicient 
accuracy the relati^^e strength of the two parties in the 
Legislative bodies in New England. 

in all of these states, however, governors have l^een 
elected out of the federal party, and even the southern 
papers indicate an unexpected augmentation of federal 
members in the next congress. 

The correspondence oetween Mr. Erskine and the 
Secretary of State at Washington, you will have seen 
before this can reach you. It has given much satisfac- 
tion to the federal party here ; because it promises an 
exemption from the evil they most feared (a war with 
England) and justifies their partiality tov»ards Great 
Britain which they maintain was founded upon a full 
conviction of her justice and sincere disposition to pre- 
serve peace. Even the democrats a Sect to be satis Mec! 
Avith it, because as they insist it proves the efficacy of 
the restrictive system of Mr. JefTerson. 

But the great benefit that will probably result from it 
will be that Bonaparte may be induced to force this 
country fi'om her neutral position. Balled i»i his at- 
tempt to exclude from this continent the mo-nufacturcs 
of Great Britain, he will most likely confiscate all A' 
mcrican property in liis dominions and dependencies, 
and declare war. Nothing could more than this con- 
tribute to give infiuence and stability to tiie British par- 
ty. Tlie invidious occurrences of tiie rebellion would 
be forgotten in the resentment of the people ngainst 
France, and they wo\d<l soon be weaned from that at- 
ttichment to her which is ftiunded on the aid that was 
rendered to separate from Ihc mother country* 



4^ APPEISDIX, 

While Greaf Britain vv-alts fortius natural, I inic;'^! 
saj necessary result of the negociation, would it not he 
extremely inexpedient to conclude a treaty with the A- 
merican government? Every sort of evidence and ex- 
perience provcj that the democrats consider their polit- 
ical ascendency in a great measure dependant upon the 
hostile spirit that they can keep alive towards Great 
Britain, and recent events demonstrate that their con- 
duct will be predicated upon that convictIf>R : it is 
therefore not to be expected that they will meet with 
corresponding feelings a sincere disposition on the part 
of England to adjust all matters in dispute. They are 
at heart mortified and disappointed to find that Great 
Britain has been in advance of the French government 
in taking advantage of the provisional clauses of the 
nonintercourse law ; and if they shew any spirit at the 
next session of Congress towards France, it will be 
only because they will find Bonapaj'te deaf to entreaty 
and insensible of past favors ; or that they may think 
it safer to float with the tide of public feelings which 
v»fill set strongly against him, unless he keep pari passu 
with England in a conciliatory policy. 

When 1 begun my letter, I intended to make some 
observations in relation to the boundary line — [Here 10 
©r 12. lines of the manuscript are erased.] 

I am, &c. A. B. 

No. IS. 

Boston, May 5, 1S09. 

Sir-— Although the recent changes that have occurred 
quiet all apprehensions of war and consequently lesseii 
all hope of a separation of the states, I think it neces- 
sary to transmit hj the mail of each week a sketch of 
passing events. 

On local politics I have nothing to add ; and as the 
parade that is made in the National Intelligencer of the 
siucere disposition of Mr. Madison to preserve amica- 
ble relations with Great Britain is in my opinion calcu- 
tated to awaken vigilance and distrust rather than 
inspire conHdence I shall (having nothing more impor- 
tant to write iibout) take leave to examine his motives. 



APPENDIX. 47 

I am not surprised at his comlitional removal of the 
noiiinte: course law with respect to Great Britain be- 
cause it Mas raade incumbent on liim bj the act of con- 
gress : but the observations made on his friendly dispo- 
sitions towards Gre^it Britain is a matter of no little 
astonishment. The whole tenor of his political life 
directly and unequivocally controdicts them. Kis 
speech on the British treaty in '99. His i^ttcmpt to 
pass a law for the cojifiscatian of "British debts*' and 
British property. His commercial resolutions grounded 
apparently on an idea of making America useful as a 
•colony to France. His conduct while secretary of 
state ; all form an assemblage of probabilities tending 
to convince me at least that he does not seriously desire 
a treaty in which the rights and pretension of Great 
Britain would be fairly recognized. Ic seems impossi- 
ble that he should at once div-est himself of his habitual 
animosity :and that pride of opinion, which his present 
situation enables him to indulge ; but "above all, that he 
should deprive his friends and supporters of the bene- 
fit of those prejudices which have been carefully foster- 
ed in the minds of the common people towards England, 
and which have so materially contributed to invigorate 
and augment the democratic party. Whatever his real 
motives may be, it is in this stage of the affair harmless 
euough to enquire into ihc cause of the apparent 
change. He probably acts under a conviction that in 
the present temper of tlie eastern states a war could 
not fail to produce a dissolution of the union ; or he 
may have profited by the mistakes of his predecessor; 
and is inclined to seize the present opportunity to prove 
to the w^orld tliat he is determined to be tlie preiident 
of a nation rather than the head cf a faction ; or he 
has probably gone thus far to remove the impression on 
the minds of many that he was under the influence of 
France in order that he may with a better grace and on 
more tenable grounds quarrel v/ith Great iiritain in the 
progress of negociating a treaty. Whatever his mo- 
tives may be, I am very certain his party will not sup- 
port liim iii any manly and generous po'icj-'. Weak 



48 APPENDIX. 

men are sure to temporize when great events call upon 
them for decision, and are sluggish and inert at the mo* 
ment when the worst of evils is in action. This is the 
character of the democrats in the northern states. Of 
those of the south I know but little. 

I am, &c. A. B> 

No. 14. 

Boston, May 25, 1 809. 

Sir — My last was under date of the 5th iastant. 

The unexpected change which has taken place in the 
feelings of political men in this country in consequence 
of Mr. Madison's prompt acceptance of the friendly 
proposals of Great Britain has caused a temporary sus- 
pension of the conflict of parties ; and they both regard 
him with equal wonder and distrust. They all ascribe 
bis conduct to various motives, but none believe him to 
be in earnest. 

The state of New York has returned to the Assem- 
bly a majority of federal members. All this proves 
that an anticommercial faction cannot rule the northern 
states. Two months ago the state of New York was 
not ranked among the states that would adopt the 
policy of that of Massachusetts ; and any favorable 
change was exceedingly problematical. 

I beg leave to suggest that in the present state of 
things in this country my presence can contribute very 
little to the interests of Great Britain. If Mr. Erskine 
be sanctioned in all he has conceded, by his majijsty's 
ministers, it is unnecessary for me, as indeed it would 
be unavailing to make any attem.pt to carry into effect 
the original purposes of rny mission. While I think it 
my duty to give this intimation to you, I beg it may be 
understood that I consider myself entirely at the dis- 
posal of his majesty's government. 

I am, &c. A. B. 

No. 15. 

Montreal, June 12, 1809. 
Sir — I have the lionor to inform your excellency thai 
I received, through Mr. Secretary Ry land, ycur excel > 
ieiicj's commands to retiirii to Canada, and after the 



APPENDIX. 49 

delays incident to this season of the year, in a journey 
from Boston, arrived here yesterday. 

Your excellency will have seen by the papers of tie 
latest dates from the United States, that a formidable 
opposition h already organized in congress to the late 
measures of Mr. Madison; and it is very evident that 
if he be sincere in his professions of attachment to G. 
Britain, his party will abandon him. Sixty one mem- 
bers have already voted against a resolution to approve 
©f what he has done, and I have no doubt the rest of the 
democratic party will follow the example, as soon as 
they recover from the astonishment into which his ap- 
parent defection has thrown them. 

The present hopes of the federalist^! are founded on 
4he probability of a war w ith France ; but, at all events 
this party is strong and well organized enough to pre- 
vent a war with England. It would now be superiJu- 
ous to trouble your excellency with an account of the 
nature and extent of the arrangements made by the 
federal party to resist any attempt of the goverment 
unfavorable to Great Britain. Tiiey are such as do 
great credit to their ability and principles ; and while 
a judicious policy is observed by Great Britain, secure 
her interests in America from decay. My fear of indu- 
cing a false security on the pp.rt of his majesty's gov- 
ernment in their eiliciency and eventual success, may 
have inclined me to refrain from doing them that justice 
in my former letters, which 1 willingly express. 

I tcust your excellency will ascribe the style and 
manner of my communications and the frequent ambi- 
guities introduced in them, as arising from the secrecy 
necessary to be observed and my conciousness that you. 
understood my meaning on the most delicate points 
witliout risking a particular explanation. 

I lament that no occasion commensurate to my Mis'ics 
has permitted me to prove how much 1 value the confi- 
dence of your excellency and tlie approbation already 
e:xpressed by his majesty's minister. 
I have the honor to be, ike. 

I certify that the forgoing are the same referred to in 
the letter of H. W. Rvland, F.sq. dated May Ist, 1809, 



50 APPENDIX. 

relating to the mission in wKich I was employed by si)f 
James Craig, by his letter of instructions bearing date 
February 6, 1809. 

(Signed) JOHN HENRY. 

No. V. 
Mr» Ryland to Mr. J. Hear if, 1st May, 1809. 

My dear sir, — The news we have received this day 
from the United States will, I imagine, soon bring you 
back to us, and if you arrive at Montreal by the middle 
of June, I shall probably have the pleasure of meeting 
you there, as I am going up with sir James and a large 
suite. The last letters received from you are to the 13th 
April ; the whole are now transcribing for the purpose 
of being sent heme where they cannot fail of doing you 
credit, and I most sincerely hope they may eventually 
contribute to your permanent advantage. It is not ne- 
cessary to repeat the assurances that no eifort within 
the compass of my power shall be wanting to this end. 

I am cruelly out of spirits at the idea of old England 
truckling to such a debased and accursed government as 
that of the United States. 

I am greatly obliged to you for the trouble you have 
taken in procuring the books, though if Spain falls I 
shall scarcely have a heart to look into them. I can add 
jio more now, but that 1 am most heartily and affection- 
ately yours. " 

(Signed) " H. W. R. 

J. Henry, esq. Boston. 

Mr. Ryland to Mr. He^ry, dated May 4, 1809. 

IMy dear sir — You must consider the short letter I 
wrote you by the last post aB altogether unofficial, but I 
am now to intimate to you in a more formal manner our 
hope of your speedy return, as the object of your journey 
aeems, to xhe present at least, to be at an end. We 
•liave Loiidon news by way of the river up to the Gth of 
>larch, which tallies to a day with what we have receiv- 
ed by the way of the states. Heartily wishing you a 
'iafe and speedy journey back to us, 

1 am, my ^ear sir, most sincerely yours, 

(Signed) H. W, R, 



APPENDIX. 51 

Have the goodness to bring my books with you, though 
i shall have little spirits to look into them, unless yott 
bring good news from Spain. 

No.vr. 

Mr. Henry^s memorial to Lord Liverpool, enclosed in « 
letter to Mr. Peel, of the ISth Juiie, with a copy of 

that letter. 
Tlie und^ersigncd m-ost re.spectfully submits the follow- 
ing statement and memorial to the Earl of Liverpool. 
Long before and during the administration of your 
Lordship's predecessor, the undersigned bestowed mucli 
personal attention to the state of parties and to the politi- 
cal measures in the United States of America. 

[Here is an erasure of about four lines.] 
Soon after the affair of the Chesapeake frigate, when 
his majesty's governor general of British America had 
reason to believe that the two countries would be invol- 
ved in a war, and had submitted to his majesty's minis- 
ters the arrangements of the English party in the United 
States for an efficient resistance to the general govern- 
ment, which would probably terminate in the separation 
of the northern states from the general confederacy ; he 
applied to the undersigned to undertake a mission to 
Boston where the whole concerns of the opposition 
were managed. The object of the mission was to pro- 
mote and encourage the federal paVty to resist the mea- 
sures of the general government ; to offer assurances 
of aid and support to his majesty's government of Cana- 
da ; and to open a communication between the leading 
men engaged in that opposition and the governor gene- 
ral upon such a footing as circumstances might suggest ; 
and finally to render the plans then in contemplation 
STibservient to the views of his majesty's government.* 

The undersigned undertook tae mission which lasted 
from the month of January to the month of June, inclu- 
sive, daring which period 

those public acts and legislative resolutions of the as- 
semblies of Massachusetts and Connecticut were passed 
which kept the general government of the United States 
in check and deterred it from carryiag into execution. 

* Vide the dispatcher of Sir James Craig, June 1S08. 



52 APPENDIX. 

the mea=5ure8 of Iioitilitj with which Great Britain w&is 
menaced. 

For his service on tht occasion herein recited, nnd 
the loss of time and expence incurred, the undersigned 
neither sought nor received any compensation ; but trust- 
ed to the known justice and liberality of his majesty's 
government for the reward of services which could not, 
he humbly conceives, be estimated in pounds, shillings 
and pence. On the patronage and support which was 
promised in the letter of sir J. Craig under date of the 
23d January, 1809 (wherein he gives an assurance 
*' that the former correspondence and political informa- 
tion transmitted by the undersigned had met with the 
particular approbation of his majesty's secretary of 
fctate, and that his execution of the mission (proposed to 
be undertaken in that letter) would give him a claim 
not only on the governor general but on his majesty's 
ministers") the undersigned has relied and now most 
respectfully claims, in whatever mode the Earl of Liv- 
erpool may be pleased to adopt. 

The undersigned most respectfully takes this occa- 
sion to state that sir J. Craig promised him an employ- 
ment in Canada worth upwards of one thousand pound* 
a year, by his letter (herewith transmitted) under date 
of 13 Sept. 1809, whicii he has just learned has, in con- 
sequence of his absence, been given to another person. 
The undersigned abstains from commenting on this tran- 
saction ; and respectfully suggests that the appointment 
<*f Judge Advocate General of the province of lower 
Canada, with a salary of live hundred pounds a year, or 
a consulate in the United States, sine cuvia^ would be 
considered by him a liberal discharge of any obligation 
that his majesty's government may entertain in relation 
to his service. 

Copy of a letter to Mr. Feel^ enclosing the foregoing. 

Sir — I take the liberty of enclosing to you a memorial 
addressed to the Earl of Liverpool ; and beg you will 
have the goodness either to examine the documents in 
your office, or those in my own possession, touching tlie 
extent and legitimacy of my claimSe 



APrENDIX. 53 

Mr. Ryland, the secretary of Sir J. Crai», is now in 
London; and, from his official knowledge of tlie tran* 
sactions and facts alluded to in the memorialj can give 
any information required on the suhject. 
1 liave the honor to be, ^c. &c. 

(Signed) J. II. 

.f;mel3, 1811. 
Letter of the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Liverpool, hy liis 

Secretary R. Peel, Esc*, recognizing Mr. Henry's 

services, &.c. 
No. Yil. 
JDoumins; street, ^.Sth June^ 1811. 

Sir — I hare not failed to lay before the Earl of Liv- 
erpool, the memorial, together with its several enclosures 
which was delivered to me a few days since, by general 
Loft, at your desire. 

His lordship has directed me to acquaint you that he 
has referred to the correspondence in this office, of the 
year 1808, and finds two letters from sir James Craig, 
dated 10th of April, and 5th of May, transmittinji- the 
correspondence that has passed during your residence 
in thre northern states of America, arid expressing his 
confidence in your ability and judgment, but Lord liiv- 
erpool has not discovered any wish on the part of sir 
James Craig, that your claims for compensation sliould 
be referred to this country ; nor, indeed, is allusion made 
to any kind of arrangement or agreement that had been 
made by that officer with you.. 

Under these circur/istauces, and had not sir James 
Craig determined on his inimedhite. return to England, it 
would have been Lord Liverpool's wish to have refer- 
red your memorial to him,as being better enabled to ap-r 
preciato tlie ability and success with v/liich voii executed 
a mis-">ioii undertaken ^t his desire. Lord Liverpool 
will ,^ however, transmit it to sir James Craig's successor 
in the govornment, and an assurance, that, from the 
recommt iidations he has received in your favor, and tlio 
opinion h-v has formed qu your concspondence, he is 
convinced that the public service will be benefitted l y- 
jour actiVf' vi'iplovment ia a pviblic-'situatiQa."'^'' • * 



54 APPENDIX. 

Lord Liverpool will also feel himself bound to give 
the same assurance to the Marquis Welleslej, if there is 
anj probability that it will advance the success of the 
application which you have made to his lordship. 
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

(Signed) ROBERT PEEL. 

John Henry, Esq, 27 Leicester square, 

Mr. Henry to Mr. Peel, September 24, 1811. No other 
answer than a dispatch to sir George Prevost and 

a letter marked B. 
No. VIII. 
London, 4th September, 1811. 

Sir — I have just now learned the ultimate decision of 
M\y Lord Wellesley relative to the appointment which I 
was desirous to obtain 5 and find that the subsisting 
relations between the two counti'ies, forbid the creating 
a new office in the United States, such as I was solici- 
tous to obtain. In this state of things I have not a mo- 
ment to lose in returning to Canada, and have taken mj 
passage in the last and only ship that sails for Quebec 
this season. As I have no time to enter de novo inta 
explanations with the gentleman who is in your office,, 
and as I have received assurances from you, in addition 
to the letter of my Lord Liverpool, of the 27th June^ 
that " his lordship would recommend me to the gover- 
nor of Canada, for the first vacant situation that I wQuld 
accept," I beg the favor of you to advise me how I am ta 
get that recommendation, without loss of time. 

I have the honor to be, &c- ifcc. J.. H. 

Robert Peel, Esq, <§*c. Sfc. ^'c. 

Copy of a letter written by Lord Liverpool, to Sir George 
Prevost, furnished by the under Secretary of state« 
Original in the dispatch to the governor general. 

No, IX. 
Downing; street, I6th Sept. 1811, 
Sir — Mr. Henry who has the honor of delivering this 
letter is the gentleman who addressed to me the memo- 
rial, a copy of which I herewith transmit, and to v/hoin 
the accompanying letter from Mr, Pe«l was written by 
ii\y dkection. 



APPENDIX. $5 

In compliance with his request, I nov/ fulfil the assur- 
ance which I hare given, of stating to you my opinion 
of the ability and judgment which Mr. Henry has man- 
ifested on the occasion mentioned in his memorial ; and 
of the benefit the public service might derive from his 
active employment in any public situation, in which you 
should think proper to place him. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant. 
(Signed) LIVERPUOLo 

To tiir George Prevost, Bart. ^'c. ^'c. 

Mr, Ryland to Mr. Henry. 
No. X. 
Tuesday evenuig, July Sid, 1 8 1 1 o 

Dear Henry — It gives me real pleasure to find that the 
apprehension I had formed ynth respect to the fulfil- 
ment of your expectations, is likely to prove erroneous. 
As every thing which passed relative to your mission 
was in w^riting, I tiiink you wall do well in submitting to 
Mr. Peel all the original papers. I, myself, could give 
no other information relative to ih^ subject than what 
they contain, as you and I had no opportunity of any 
verbal communication concerning it, till after your mis- 
sion terminated, I never wrote you a letter in the gover- 
nor's name, which had not previously been submitted to 
his correction.. 

The impression I had received cf your character and 
abilities made me anxious to serve you, even before 1 had 
the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you, and 
the same desire has operated on me ever since ; I am, 
therefore entitled to hope, that any opinion which I may 
have given you, as to your best mode of obtaining an 
employment under govern went, will be received with 
the same candor tliat gave rise to it. I think you will 
do well to persevere as you propose. I have no doubt 
that every letter from you which sir James sent home, 
will be found in Mr. Peel's oifice, as the established 
practice there is to bind the despatches and enclosures 
yearly up together. 

Sincerely wishing you everv success, I am most faith- 
fully yours. (Signed) " H, W. EYLAND. 
John Henry, Esq, 



56 APPENDIX. 

Lord I^iverpooPs Dispatch. 
To Sir George Prevost* Governor General of Canada^ 
with its enclosures, dated 16th September. 1811. 

Downing street. 
Sir — Mr. Henrj, '\vho will have the lionor of delivering 
this letter, is the gentleman who addressed to rae the 
iviemoiial, (a copy of which I herewith transmit,) and ta 
whom the acconipan jing letter from Mr. Peel w as \\ rit- 
ten hy mj direction. 

In com]jliance with his request, I now fulfil the assur- 
ance which I have given of stating to you my opinion 
of the ability and judgment which Mr. Heniy has man- 
ifested on the occasions mentioned in his memorial, and 
of the benefit the public service might derive from his 
active employment in any public situation in which you 
should think proper to place him. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

(Signed) LIVERPOOL, 

To Sir George Prevost, barf. cj'c. 

Mr. Henry's memorial to Lord Liverpool, enclosed in 

Lord LiverpooPs dispatch. 
To the right honorable tkeearl of I^iverpool, the under- 

signed most respectfully submits the following 

memorial. 

Long before and during the administration of your 
Lordship's predecessor, the undersigned bestowed much 
personal attention to the state of })arties and political 
measures in the United States of America, and had an 
opportunity* [Here is an erasure of 10 or 12 lines] 
and to unite the [_An erasure here of 2 or 3 lines] the 
information transmitted by the undersigned to sir James 
Craig, and by him to Lord Castlereagh, met with icith 
his lordship'' s approbation :t and when the hostile pre- 
parations in the United vStates, suggested to sir James 
Craig the necessity of making corresponding arrange- 
ments of precaution and defence, for the security of. 

* See the letter of x4r. Henry addressed to tiie secre-- 
tary of Sir James Craig- and by him transmitted tolord. 
in the month of April 1808. 
t See docuiueiit No 1 J herewith tran.-i!iiitts-4.. 



APPKXDIX. 57 

his majesty's colonies, lie applied to the undersigned to 
undertake a secret and confidentialmisHion to the north- 
ern states to the party already 
mentioned; to direct their operations, and to transmit 
reiruiar information of the same, and to endeavor to 
render their plans subservient to the interests of Great 
Britain.* The undersigned readily undertook the mis- 
sion, and spent live months in the active and zealous 
discharge of the duties connected with it [An erasure 
here of 20 or 25 linesfl which deterred the general gov* 
ernment from the purpose already mentioned, and from 
a coalition with France,^ vv^hile the information which he 
transmitted to sir James Craig, probably saved the trou- 
ble and expence of arming the Canadian militia. All 
this, the undersigned performed without ever shoM'ing 
his commission or appearing as an autkorized agent-^- 
from a tliorough conviction that a discovery of his mis- 
sion would furnish the French party m ith the means of 
destroying the influence of the party adhering to Great 
Britain in every quarter of America, and enable the 
government to go to war upon popular and tenable, 
ground. 

In the application of Sir James Craig to the undeV'^ 
signed, to undertake the mission aforesaid, he says " the 
information and political observations received from you 
heretol^jre were all transmitted to the secretary of state 
who has expressed his particular approbation of them, 
and there is no doubt that your able execution of such a 
mission as I have above sugi^es-ted, would give you a 
claim not only on tlie governor general (of B. America) 
bat on liis majesty's ministers," ^c.§ 

The undersigned being novv^ in England on his private 
affairs, and on the eve of departure for America, most 

* See documents No. 1 and 2 herewith ti-ansmitled. 

t See letter" No. 1 of the series transmitted by Sir J. 
Craig, to the colonial department, under date February 
14,1809. 

\ See the remainder of the aforesaid letter. 

^ S^a djcumeiitNo, l, herewith transmitted. 



58 APPENDIX. 

huriibly and respectfully submits his claims, under tlie* 
stipulations aforesaid, to the earl of Liverpool, in the 
coHfident expectation that his lordship will treat them 
with that justice and liberality, which upon investiga'- 
tion they may be found to merit. 

It may notbe superfluous to add, that the undersigned 
has never received in any shape whatever any compen- 
sation or patronage for the services he has rendered*^ 
This fact, Mr. Ryland, the sesretary of Sir James 
Craig, now in London, can vouch ; as well as for the 
truth of all the matters set forth in this memorial, 
I have the honor, &c. 

(Signed) J. HENRY, 

27 Leicester Square, June 23, 1811. 

Extract of the official letter of sir James Craig, signed' 

bij Mr, Ryland, dated January 1809, accompanying 

Lord LiverpooPs dispatch, 

[Most secret and confidentiaL] 

Quebec, 26th Junuary, 1 809. 
My dear sir — The extraordinary situation of things 
at this time in the neighboring states has suggested to 
the governor in chief, the idea of employing you on a 
secret and confidential mission, provided an arrangement 
can be made to meet the important end in view, without 
throwing an absolute obstacle in the way of your pro- 
fessional pursuits. 

The information and political observations heretofore 

received from you were transmitted by his excellency ti? 

the secretary of state who has expressed his particular 

approbation of them and there is no doubt that your able 

execution of sit^ch a mission as I have above suggested, 

would give you a claim not only on the governor general, 

kut on his majesty^s ministers which would eventually 

contribute to your advantage — At present it is only 

necessaryforme toadd,that the governor will furnisn 

you with a cypher for carrying on your correspondence ; 

and in case the leading party in any of the states v/ish 

to open a commmunication with this government, their 

views might be communicated through you. I am, &c. 

(Signed) HERMAN W. RYLAND. 

To John Henry, esq, 



APPENDIX. 59 

-Ea-frflc^/rom the general instructions givm by sir James 

Craig to ^Ir. Henri/, dated 6th February, 1809, 
accompanying Lord LiverjwoVs dispatch. 

^2iebec,6th February, 1809. 
Sir — As jou have so readily undertaken the service 
-which I liave suggested to you, as likely to be attended 
with much benefit to the public interests, I am to request 
that with your earliest conveniency you ^viIl proceed to 
Boston. 

The principal object that I recommend to your alten- 
fion, is the endeavor to obtain the most accurate infor- 
mation of the state of affairs in that part of the union, 
which from its wealth, the number of its inhahitants, 
and the known intelligence and ability of several of its 
leading men, must naturally possess a very considera- 
ble influence over, and will indeed probably lead the 
eastern states of America in the part that they may take 
at this important crisis. I shall not pretend to point 
out to you the mode by wliich you will be likely to obtain 
this important information. — Your own judgment and 
the connection you have formed must be your guide. 

In the general terms which I have made use of to de- 
scribe the objects which I recommend to your attention, 
it is scarcely necessary to observe that I include the 
the state of the public opinion both with regard to the 
external politics and the probability of a war with Eng- 
land : the comparative strength and views of the two 
great parties into which the country is divided, and the 
views and designs of that which may ultimately prevaiL 

If thefederalists of the eastern s'tates should be suc- 
cessful in obtaining that decided iniluenc^ which may 
enable them to direct the public opinion, it is not impos- 
sible that rather than submit to a continuance of tJie 
<lifficulties and distress to which they are now subject, 
they will exert that influer.ce to bring about a separa- 
iionfrom the general union. The earliest information on 
this subject may be of great consequence to our govern- 
ment ; as it may also that it should be informed how far 
they would in such an event look up to England for as- 
sistance and be disposed to enter iuto a cwmexion witli 



60 APPENDIX. 

us ; these I leave to your judgement and discretion. 
(Signed) J. H. CRAIG. 

[The letter of instruction is long. The above are the 
principal points in it, except as to secrecy.] 

Extracts of letters of recal from the mission in conse- 

sequence of the arrangement entered into between Mr, 

ErsJcine and the American government, 

Quebec, May ylSt)9, 

<< The news we have received this day from the U. 
States will, I imagine, soon bring you back to iis. The 
last letters received from you are to the 13th April. 
The whole are now transcribing to be sent home where 
they cannot fail of doing you great credit, and eventu- 
ally contribute to your permanent adA'antage. 

(Signed) H. W. IIYLAND, sec'y. 

J, Henry, Esq, 

4th May, 1809. — I am now formally to intimate to you 
our hope of your return ; aa the object of your mission 
seems for the present at least, to be abandoned. Sin- 
cerely wishing you a safe and speedy journey back to us, 
I am, &c. (Signed) H. W. RYLAND. 

J. Henry, Esq. 

Copy of a letter from Mr. Feel to Mr. Henry, 
Doivning street, QSth June, 1811. 

Sir — ^I have not failed to lay before the earl of Liver- 
pool the memorial, together with its several enclosures, 
-which was delivered to me a few days since by general 
Loft at your desire. 

His lordship has directed me to acquaint you in reply 
that he has referred to the correspondence in this office 
of the year 1808, and finds two letters from Sir James 
Craig, dated 10th April and 15th May, transmitting the 
correspondence that had passed during your residence 
in the northern states of America, and expressing his 
confidence in your ability and judgment ; but Lord 
Liverpool has not discovered any wish on the part of Sir 
James Craig that your claims for compensation should 
be referred to this country, nor indeed is allusion made 
to any kind of arrangement or agreement that had been 
made by that officer with you. Under these circum- 



APPENDIX. ^i 

fitanccs, and had not sir JamcB Craig determinrd on liis 
immediate return to England, it would have been Lord 
Liverpool's wish to have referred your memorial to him 
as being better enabled to appreciate the ability and suc- 
cess \vith which you executed a mission undertaken at 
his desire ; Lord Liverpool will however transmit it to 
sir James Craig's successor in tlie government, with 
assurance that from thti recommendations he has receiv- 
ed in your favor, and the opinion he lias formed on your 
correspondence, he is convinced the public service will 
be benefitted by your active employment in a public sit- 
uation. 

Lord Liverpool will also feel himself bound to give 
the same assurance to the Marquis Wellcsley if there is 
any probability that it will advance the success of the 
application w hich you have made to his lordship. 
lam. sir, &c. 

(Signed) ROBERT PEEL= 



(E) 

Revolutionary services cf Geiiveral ThdU «s taken from 
his defence before the Court Martial in March, 1812. 

For more than half a century I sujjported a character 
without reproach. My youth w as devoted to the service 
of my country' ; I fought her battles in tliat war whicli 
achieved her liberty and independence, and which was 
^nded before many of you, gentlemen, who are my judg- 
es, were born. If upon any occasion a man may speak 
of his own merits, it is at such a tim« as thij ; and I hope 
I may be permitted to present to you in very few words 
•a narration of my life, while I was engaged in scenes 
which were calculated to pix)ve a man's firmness and 
-courage. I shall do it w ith less reluctance, because the 
testimony I hav€ oflTei-ed of the venerable men who ser- 
Ted with me in the revolutionary war, will vouch for al5 
I have to say. In the year 17T5, at the age of about 21 
years, I was appointed'a captain in one of tlie Conncci- 
Z 



6S Al^PENDiX. 

icut rcgimeiitc ; during that campaij^n and until MarCk 
1776, when the enemy evacuated Boston, I served with 
the army at Cambridge and Iloxburj^ and in the imnie* 
csiate Goinriiand of General Washington. I was with 
tlnit party of the army in March 1776 which took posses- 
sion of Dorchester heights ; the movement which com- 
pelled the iSnemy to evacuate Boston. The next day 
the regiment t9 which I belonged marthed for New"- 
York. I was on I^ong-Island when the enemy landed^ 
and remained until the night the whole army retreated* 
I was in several small skirmishes both on Long-Island 
and York -Island before the army retired to the White 
Plains. I then belonged to Colonel Charles AVebb's 
regiment of Connecticut. 

This re«;iment was in the severest part of the action 
on Ciiatterdon's liiil, a little advanced of the White 
Plain?% a few days after the main body of the arnly aban- 
doned New-York. This battle is memorable in the his- 
iciy of our co^Jintry, and the regiment to which I belong- 
«:d received the particular thanks of General Washing- 
ton, in his public orders, for its bravery and good con- 
' duct Oil the occasion. It was particularly distinguished 
from all the other troops engaged in the action. I re- 
ineived a ;ilio;''^t wound by a musket ball in my side, but 
it did not prevent me from remaining attke head of my 
•wOmpany. . 

I was in tYie battle of Trenton, when the Hessians 
were taken in December 1776, and being one of the 
joiing;est captains in the hnny, v/as promoted by Gen- 
eral Washiii^tonj the day after the battle to a majority 
for my conduct on that occasion. The first of January 
1777 1 was in the battle of Princeton. . In the cani])aigii 
of the savrie year the regiment to which i belonged serv- 
f;din the northern army ; I was early in the spring or- 
dered to Ticorideroga, and coiJimanded the regiment 
/being the &(?,nior o.llcer p-resent) under General St. 
Clair, and i was v ith that oIHcer in his retreat from that 
post. 

After Genera.! St. Claif-s army formed ajunction )vith 
Ger^eral Scliiiylcr's army en the north river, at Fort Ed- 
'V''?.rd, the ru-girnt'n.t t>3 ^yhi^k I belonged was detachd 



APPENDIX. 63 

and marched to Foi t Scliuylor. and rolievpd that post, 
which was besieged by General St. Lcger. 

On the retreat of General Scliuvler's army from fort 
Kdward I. comiiianded the rear iX'i^ini of tlie arn^y. and 
hoinp; tw miles in the roar was atiacked bv a large body 
of British troops an<l IndiatiS at day 1'g.htin the ii.orr.- 
ins:, in which action were kiiied and v.ouadGd Ictv. ecu 
thirty and forty of niy nitaid. And I receivc<i liiC par- 
licuuir thanks of Genjnul bcliuyler icr iv.y conduct on 
the occasion. 

I was in the two memorable battles on th.e ICth of Sep- 
tember and the 7th of October on Bemis's heights against. 
General Bura;oyne's army previous to its surrender. In 
the action of the 19th of September I comiranded a dc- 
tachment of 300 men, wlui fought the principal part of 
the afternoon, and more than one half of them v.ere kil- 
led or wounded. 

On the 7th of October I likewise commanded a detach.- 
ment from the brigade which assisted in attack! nc; the 
enemy on the left of our position, defeated him, follc^v- 
ed him to the right of his lines, storm.cd his entrench- 
ments, and took and held possession of the right cf his 
position, which com j^ died hin:i to retreat to ^-arato*:'! 
and there to capitulate. 

After the memorable event of the capitulation of Gen- 
eral Burgoyne's army, the regiment to which I belong- 
ed, was ordered to Pennsylvania, to join the army un- 
der the command of General Washington. I remained 
with the army the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge, a:i(i 
in the spring of 1778, v/hen the British army evacuated 
Philadelphia, I v.as in the battle of Monmouth. 

Prom December 1778, to May 1779, 1 commanded tl;e. 
Amarican posts in advance of the White Piains, near 
Kingsbridgo, during which time I ha.d various skirmish- 
es with the enemy. In May 1779 the prijicipal part of 
the British army advanced up the iS'ortli River to Ver- 
plank's and Stoney Point, and 1 was ordered to retreat 
before them to West Point. 

I then joined the light infantry under the commard 
of General Wayne, and v»as in the memorable attack 
on Stoney Point v.ilh a separate command of 4C0 ligiit 
infantry. 



64 APPENDIX. 

For my conduct on this occasioH I received the par^- 
ticular thanks of General Wayne, General Washington 

and congress. 

Iti the summer and autumn of 1780 I commanded tjie 
a<lvanced posts of the army, and in December of that 
year, I comir.anded an expedition against the enemy 
^stationed at ^lorrissina which was successful, and for 
which i received the thanks of General Washington m 
hi«j general orders to the army and likewise the thanks 
of Congress. General Washington in his orders I well 
remember made use of these vifords •' He thanked me 
for my judicious arrangements in the plan of operations, 
and for my intrepidity and valor in the execution." 

From the conclusion of the revolutionary war 1 have 
lived ^vith the respect of my country.r.en, and have en- 
joyed repeated marks of their connderxc in the offices 
which have been bestowed upon me. When I found that 
the independence for which I bad so often fought, was 
assailed, tliat again my country mii't appeal to arms ta 
aveni2;e lier v/ronas, and to jfrotect her rights, I felt that 
I might y^t do her sorae service. For though many years 
had passed since I had fuught under her standard, and 
thoiiirh mv ov/ii arm nii;i;ht not have had its wonted 
i3.trer];j;tb5 yot my ,=?p!rlt was unbrol<en, and my devotion 
to her unimpaired. I thought in i}\Q field where there 
could be but few who had any inilitary experience, what 
1 bad learned in the most active scenes of a seven years 
w'ar, might be aseful. I u>ndly hoped that in my age, 
as v/ell as in i^ny youth, I might render services that 
should deserve the gr^ititude of my country. That if I 
fell by the sword of her enemies, my grave would be 
moisteneVl v/ith the tears of my countrymen ; that my 
descendants would be proud of my name and fame. But 
how vain is anticipation ! I am now accused of crimes 
vsdiich would blast my former honors, and transmit my 
jnemory with infamy to posterity. And in that hideous 
catalogue, there is none from the imputation of which 
xny nature and my feelings have more recoiled than froiEi 
■*liat of cowardice, to which I am to answer. 



APPENDIX. 



(F.) 

Massacre cf tho Air..- rican prisoners siaTtnder.^d to ofj:. 
cers of Gr'?at BritJiin, by IndiiiuS iii the Erii:i&l\ r<^-:- 
vice. Abandoameiit of the ron.ains of Americans 
killed in battle, or nnu dered after the surrender tf# 
the British. The pillage and shooting of AvAerican 
citizens, and the burning of their hoasc^ after the 
surrender to the British, under the guarantee of pro - 
tection. 
Extract of a letter from ^u:^iistus B. Woodward, Esq: 

to General Proctor, 

Detroit, Feb. 2d, 1813, 
« They (the inhabitants cf Michigan) have enter- 
tained a constant apprehension that when the American 
forces approached the territory, and y,v\\en an er.gage- 
ment had taken place, the fury of the savage mind at 
the sig'it of blood, and in reflecting on the dead they 
lose, and perhaps on the retaliatory treatment of pris- 
oners, or of tlie dead, which their cruel mode of war- 
fare is always likely to produce, niiglit drive them to ig- 
noble revenge on the prisoners they find in tlie country, 
and the inhabitants of it. v/ho are American citizens. 
They therefore pressed tliis subject on your attention 
previous to the battle of the 2r2il of January, 1813; 
and felt satisfied with your assurance that vou eonsider- 
ed your own honor pledged for their efiectua' protectioii. 
" Since the result of that battle, facts are before their 
fares which tliej"- cannot shut their eyes upon. Some of 
tiieni are perhaps unknown to yourself. I v. ill cnumer- 
at'i some which I believe there will be no difiicuUv i.i 
establishing heyoiul the rer.ch of contradiction. 

•* First. Sonxe of the prisoners after the capitulation 
of the 22d of January, 1813,. have been tomahawked bj 
the savages. 

»' Secottd. Some of the prisoners after that capitula- 
tion, have been shot bv the sava<>;es. 

" Third. Some of tlie prisoners after tAat capitu;?.» 
ti'>;i, have beea burnt bv tiig sa "ag^5-. 



m APPENDIX. 

^'^ Fourth. Some of the inhabitants of tlie territorr 
«i jNlichigan, citizens of the United States of Americay 
alter th.e capitulation, have been shotbj the savages. 

" Fiftli. The houses of some of tlie inhabitants of 
t!ie territorv, American citizens, after the capitulation 
have been burnt bv the savajres. 

'^ SLvth. Some of the inliabit?nts, American citi- 
zens, after the capituLation, have been pillaged by the 
savVi2;es. 

A. W. M-Lean,Esq. to Mr. Woodward. 

Sill" — lou willliave the goodness to appoint a day 
tor the purpose of adducing before Col. Proctor such 
proof as you may have, to substantiate the assertions ia 
your letter to him, relative to the slaughter of the ene- 
my's sick and wounded, on 22d Januai-y last. 
I have the honor ta be, &c. 
(Signed) A. W. 31 'LEAN, aid-de-camp. 

Extract of a letter from Mr. Woodv^ard to Gen. Proctor. 

Scnuhcick, Feb. 10, 1813. 

" I had tlie honor to receive, on the Sd day of tliis 
month, a verbal message from you counnunicated to me 
by majjr Muir, requesting me to procure some evidence 
of the massacre of tlie American prisoners, on the 22d 
day of January last. 

** i met with only a few persons at Detroit who are 
inhabitants of the river Raisin^ nor was it altogether a 
])lertsant task to those, to relate, in these times, the scenes 
they iiitve beheld. Some of them, however, appeared 
before a magistrate, and I send you copies of wluatthey 
■;ave stated. It will occur to you, sir, immediately, that 
what cny cf them state on the information of others , 
v'lcugh not direct evidenie in itself, Icids to the source 
M/bere it maj^ be obtained. 

*- In com.nuni eating your message, Maj. Muir added 
^omctMnf: havifiG: relation to American citizens, who 
uif-;hr. be vviHing to take, the oath to the king. 

<"- 1: will be obvious to you, sir, that in a state of open 
uid declared 'war.^a sabjeci: or citi'/en of one psrty can- 

LiiGC to the Ov'^er party, witho^it 



■■■""• ' ;'>?v^.« 



APPENDIX. or 

mcuiring the penalties of treason ; anil, -.vhile notliiiig 
can excuse his guilt, so, neither are thos,e innocent who 
lay temptations before him. 

'" The jniiicipies adopted by the United States on tlie 
subject of expati-ialion, are liberal, but are .perfectly 
inapplicable to a public enemy in time of war. 

" Some of the French inhabitants of tlie territory of 
^Iichi<.;an, citizens of i\\e United States of America, 
have been much urged on this subject, and are apprehen- 
sive of being further troubled. 

"• I had tlie furtlier honor of receiving, on the eighth 
inst. your verbal .message by your aid-de-camp JNIr. 
M'Lean, acqainting me that there was no capitulation 
on the 22d January, and that the. prisoners surrendered 
at discretion. 

" I, therefore, beg pardon for that mistake. 

" The principles, however, of the laws of nations^ 
impose an obligation almost equally strong." 

TRANSLATION. 

Terruorij of MichAgan, ^ 

dlsirici of Detroit, S ** 

Pprsor.cily appeared before me, the undersigned, one 
of the justice^ of the peace in the district of Detroitit 
Joseph Roberts, an inhabitant on river aux Raisins, who 
being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelirt, deposes and. 
says : tliat on the next day after the battle on the said 
riverRairtin, a short time after sunrise, he saw iho. Indians 
kill the American prisoners, with their tomahawks, and 
that thev shot several, to \vit, three, that i\nt Indians 
set tlie house on fire, and that in going out, the prisoners 
Tv'ere n~assacred and kil(ed as aforesaid, that is to say: 
three were shot, the others were killed in the houses, 
and burnt with the houses. Tlie Indians burnt fiist the 
house of Jean Baptiste Jorcaume, and afterwards that of 
Gabriel Godfrey, jun. The deponent has been informed 
that there were about 48 or 49 prisoners in the two 
houses. The deponent has seen dead bodies on the 
high way, whicli the hogs were tearing and eating, Mr. 
Bruno t toid tlie deponent that the Indians had killed 
those of the prisoners who were least v.'OiiirJed; arii that 
t??e ot'iers were burnt alive, 



G8 APPENDIX. 

Aiitohie Cuicllarie ap.d Allesis Salliot, iiiliabitants on 
\he river Aiix Ecorces, tohl the deponent that two pri- 
ViOners had been burnt in the house of Grandon, on the 
river Aux Sables. The deponent has heard that the 
Indians had torn out the heart? of the prisoners, and had 
broup;ht them still snioakini^ in the houses, but did not 
recollect the names of the informants ; he believes how- 
ever, they were men worthy of credit. 

Tlse deponent says farther, that after the first action 
on the river Raisin, the Indians fired on one named Solo, 
son in law to Stephen Labeaii, an inhabitant of the river 
Aux Sables, when returning fiorn the house of Grandou 
to his father in law ; on his arrival, he hallooed to his 
father in law to open the door, saying that he was mor- 
tally wounded ; Stephen Labeau opened the door and 
told his son in lav/ to throw himself on the bed, but that 
in trying to move he fell dead. An Indian knocked at 
the door, and Labeau having opened it, received a ball in 
his breast, and fell dead. The son of I^abeau made his 
escape ; the Indians fired several shots at him which 
did not reach him. 

The deponent says fiirther, that Baptiste Couteurwas 
killed near the house of the deponent on the day of the 
second battle on the river liaisin, a little after sunrise. 

The deponent says farther, that the Indians have often 
threatened to burn his house and barn, if he did not 
march with them against the Americans. The deponent 
says he is an American citizen. 

The deponent says that several of his neighbors have 
told him that they had received the same threat. 0th- 
er settlements have been threatened with fire. The mills 
and houses on the river Aux Reches were burnt in the 
month of September last, aftertbe capitulation of Detroit* 
And further this deponent said not, 

JOSEPH ROBERT. 

Sworn and subscribed before me, the 4th Feb. 1813- 

PETER AUDAIN, J. P. D. D. 
'Territory of»Michigan, ') 

district of Detroit. 3 

Be it remembered, that on this day, February the 
fourth; A. D, one thousand eight h\uidr<^d ?.»d tlurteeiv 



APPENDIX. 69 

personally came before the un'Jers'igned, a justice of the 
pciice for the district aforesaid, \iz. John M'Donnell, 
a!i inhabitant of tlie city of Detroit^ who, after beinj; 
duly sworn upon the llol^' Evangelist of Almighty God, 
{lepo5eth and ,«=a)th, th:it a few days after the battle of 
the '2^2(1 January la.->t, (at the river Raisin) he was per- 
sonally present at the house of James May Esq. when 
he heard the said Jaiv.cs May ask ^li\ %ViHiam Jones, 
tlie acting agent for the Indian department, if there 
would be any impropriety in purchasing the prisoners 
from the Indians ; and that he heard the said William 
Jones say • that he thought there would be no impropri- 
ety in purchasing them, but would not undertake to 
authorize £ny person to do so ;' that in consequence of 
which, this deponent purchased three or four of the pri- 
iioners, amongst the number was one by the name of 
— — Hamilton, a piivate in i'm Kentucky roluntecrs, 
who declared to this deponent, that on U\e first or second 
day after the battle at the river Tliiisin, on the Sited Jan- 
nary last, as he and some of his fellow prisoners v/ere 
marching with the Indians between this place and the 
river Kaisln, they came up to where one of the prison- 
ers was burnt, the life just expiring, and an Indian kick- 
in;:^ the aihe.3 oif hit; back, saying » damned son of a 

This dcponsnt further deposetli as afore^-aid, that Dr. 
Bowers, a surgeon's mate of the Kentucky volunteers, 
who v/as purchased by him and some other gentiemenj 
Slated to tiiis deponent * he was left to take care of the 
w ounded after th-.i battle, but felt rather timid on account 
of the savages, but that lie received sucii assurances 
from Capt. or Col. Elliot, of tl'e safety of himself as weli 
a-5 the remaining prisonerf, he concluded to stay, as 
sleighs were promised to be sent to fetch them away the 
next morning ; that near about day light of the morning 
following the day of the battle, the Indians came into 
the house where said Bowers was with the otlier prison- 
ers, and proceeded to plunder and tomahawk such as 
could not walk ; and stripping the said Bowers and the 
wounded prisoners of all thei;:- cigtnesj that whil« the 



said Bouers and two other priTioners, nailed Seails and 
i^radford, as near as this deponent can rocoUect, ^ver'^ 
sitting bj the fire in the Indian camp, an Indian cavn^, 
up MJio appeared to be drunk, and called the said Sear);^. 
as near as thi^^ deponent can recollect, a Madisov or 
Wcishin^tony i^c\tn took up a tomahawk and struck Xv.t 
said Searli on tlie sliouldcrs ; that the ^aid Searls ca'.idi'" 
hold of the tomahawk and held it for some (iroc ; tl:at 
the said Bov/ers advised i\\Q said Searls to submit to his 
fate ; with that, the Indian gave him a second blow on 
the hca,d, Icilled^ scalped, and stript him : diiriuo tlds 
time the said Eowers and Bradford were personally ]~»re- 
sent, and being apprehensive foi- their ov/n safety i\\v<t 
he, Eowers, ran and came up to the old clr'ef (wiio sold 
him to his deponent and others) who took him under his 
protection, and was very kind to him. This deponent 
further deposeth, that he has reason to believe the afore- 
said Bowers and Hamilton arc now at Sandwich, and if 
applied to, they conld give more ample information rela- 
tive to the particulars aforesaid. And fuither this de- 
ponent sayeth not. 

JOHN M-DONNRLL. 
Sworn and subscribed at v^.j cliambers in the city of 
Detroitj the dav and year before written. 

JAMES MAY. 

Note from Mr. John M'Donnell to .lames May, Esq. 

Dd ro It, Ft I rvarij 4 , 1813. 

Dear Sir, — I had a conversation with Mr. Smart about 
leaving your house to day, who had a conversfition ^\'ith 
Bowers and Bradford. He ob[;erves tliat I have made 
several material errors in my ailidavit before von ibis 
day. He says the prisoner killed was of the name rt 
Blythe, instead of Hearls ; and mentioned some other 
errors that diifer widely from what I have sworn to. so 
that I think it is a pity Bower's and Bradford's ailida- 
vits could not be had instead of mine. Yours, 

J. M'DONNIZLL. 

Jannes May, Esq. 

Note from Mr. M'Donnell to Mr. L3'ons5 his clerk. 
I wish you to mention to judge Woodward, that ap- 
plication is made for me by a friend on the ether sidcj to 



APPENDIX. ri 

t eniaiii till ilic navigation opens. On tliat account T hope 
he will keen hack lii^ deposition that I liave made le- 
gardiii^ tlie murders conimittcd by the savages on the 
river Raisin, as he has much better testimony to substan- 
tiate facts than \v'hat I have sworn to on hearsay ; and 
as I am sure, if tlie colonel was even disposed to hear 
i)iy application, that afUdavit will be enough to send me 
off, or else if I was allowed to remain, Kiliot would set 
Indians on me. 

TRANSLATION. 

Terrltoru of Micld^an > 

n > SS 

district of Detroit. \ 

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned one 
of the justices of the peace in the district of Detroit, 
Antoine Boulafd, of the river aux Raisins, who being 
sworn on the Holy Evangelist, deposeth and says, that 
on the next day ^fter the last battle on the. river aux Rai- 
sins, he saw the Inrdians kill the secretary of the Amer- 
ican General, who was on the horse of the Indian who 
had taken him prisoner, with a rifle shot^ thatthe prison- 
er fell on one side, and an Indian cairic forward with a 
sabre, finished him, scalped hirn, stripthim and carried 
away his clothes. The body remained two days on the 
high way, before the door of the deponent, and was part 
cat up by the hogs. Afterv/ards, the deponent, together 
with Francois Lasseile, Hubert Lacroix, Charles Chovin 
and Louis Lajoye, took up the corps at dusk of the eve- 
ning, and carried it into a field. near the woods, where 
the hogs did not go. They daVed not to bury it for fear 
of being surprised by the Indians. And further this 
deponent saith not. 

ANTOINE (his X mark) DOUT.AND. 
^ Sworn and sabscribed in my presence, the 5th day of 
February, 18-13. 

PETER AUDi^AiN, J. P. D. D. 

I hereby certify, thatthe next day after the last battle^ 
<)n the liver aux Raisins, the secretary of the American 
General was taken near the doer of the deponent; v as 
wounded and placed on a horse ; that seven or eight In- 
*?i?.ns V. ei near lie house, one of v/hom shot hiin ia t^ie 



TQ APPENDIX. 

iiead with a rifle 5 that he did not fall off his horse unti^ 
another Indian, drawing liis sabre, struck him on the 
head several times, and then he fell to the ground ; was 
scalped, stript of his clothes, and left on the road, where 
he remained one day and a lialf ; I. the deponent, with 
Francois Lasselle, Hubert La,croix, Louis Cfiovin, on the 
evening of the second day, took up the body, carried it 
to the skirts of the woods, and covered it with a few 
branches, but could not stay to bury it, for fear of the 
Indians that were in the neighborhood ; and on the next 
day after the last battle I was near the house of Gabriel 
Godfrey jun. and the house of Jean Baptistere Jereaum, 
where a great number of prisoners were collected : and 
that 1 heard the screaming of the prisoners whom the 
Indians were tomahawking 5 that the savages set the 
houses on fire and went oftl 

LOUIS his X mark BERNARD. 

Detroit, Feb, 5, 1813. 

I certify, that the bodies of the Americans killed at 
the battle of laRivi«re aux Raisins, of the twenty second 
of January last, remained unburied 5 and that I have 
seen the hogs and dogs eating them. 

The hogs appeared to be rendered mad by no profuse 
a diet of christian fleslu 

I saw the houses of Mr. Gerome and Mr. Godfey, o»^. 
fire, and have h^ard that there were prisoners in tlbem. ' 

The inhabitants did not dare to bury the dead on ac- 
count of the Indians. 

The inhabitants hav€ been threatened by the Indians, 
if tliey did not take up arms against the Americans. 

Michigan, February 6th, 1813. 

ALEXIS his X mark LABADIE. 

Tlsis is to certify, that on or about tlie twenty eighth 
tlay of January last past, an Indian woman came to my 
dwelling house, on the river Rouge, and informed me 
that on the morning of that day an American prisoner 
had been killed in tbe Indian camp, and the reason she 
assigned for killing him was because he had e>.pi eased 
*n hatred for the Indians. 

nOBSRT ABBOT, 

Bctroit^ Sth Feh 1813, 



APPENDIX. 7S 

Territory of Michigan ^ ^ 
district of Detroit, 3 ^^' 

Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, Aaron 
Thomas and Agnes Thomas, his wife, Mho both made 
oath on the Holy E^ange^!st of Almighty God, that tlse 
Indians have taken from them, from tlie house of Mr. 
Atwater, on the 16th of August, 1812, one chintz gown, 
valued seven antl a half dollars, one calico gown, valued 
tiiree dollars seveaty five cents, one calimanco petticoat, 
-valued four dollars, one pair of cotton stockings one dol- 
lar and fifty cents, one pair of cotton stockings, seventy 
cents, one pair woolen stockings seventy five cents, one 
pair of silk gloves, one dollar fifty cents, one new small 
trunk two dollars, one pocket book two dollars, thread 
one dollar, needles fifty cents, one shawl one dollar, one 
cambric handkerchief seventy five cents, one cotton d(j. 
sixty two and an half cents, one shift one dollar, three 
fourths of a pound of pepper fifty cents, one cake of 
chocolate twenty five cents, one fan fifty cents, one 
blanket three dollars, one cloak ten dollars, three yards 
of check cotton ninety three and three fourths cents, 
one shawl one dollar, one fiannel loose gown three dol- 
lars. On the twelfth September, taken on river Rouge, 
one chesnut sorrel horse fifty dollars — saddle and bridle 
ten dollars. On Friday the eleventh September, takea 
on river Rouge, one other saddle eight <lollars, one pair 
leather leading lines two dollars fifty cents, leading lines 
seventy five cents, one axe two dollars fifty cents, chintx 
patclu^s two dollars. 

Sworn beibre me at my chambers, ITth September- 

(Signed) P. AUDRAIN, J. P. D, D. 

{Letter from the Indians to the inhabitants of the river 

Raisin^ not dated. 
The Hurons and the other tribes of Indians, assembled 
at the Miami Rapids, to the inhabitants of the river 
Ra^sin. 
FRIENDS ! LISTEN ! 
I You have always told us you would give us any assis- 
tance in your pov.er. 

A A 



T4 APPENDIX. 



/ 



We, therefore, as the enemj is approaching us, within 
twenty live miles, call upon you all to rise up and come 
here immediately, bringing your arms along with you. 
Should you fail at this time, we will not consider you 
in future as friends, and the consequences may be very 
unpleasant. 

We are well convinced you have no writings forbid^ 
ding you to assist us. 

We are your friends at presentr 

(Signed) ROUND HEAD. 

By an emblem re semhling a horse, 

(Signed) WALK IN THE WATER. 

By an emblem resembling a turtle. 

TRANSLATION. 

Letter of the inhabitants of the river Jlaisin, dated Riv- 

ierre •Bux Malsins, the ISth A^ovemher, 1812. 

To the Hon. Judge Woodward, Detroit. Rivierre Aux 

Raisins, tl>e 15th November, 1812. 

Sir — In the embarrassment in which we find ourselves 
at present; on the subject of a letter addressed to Col. 
Navar, on the part of the liurons and other savage tribes 
we depute him to you to represent to you the situation 
i<jf the inhabitants of the river Raisin, pray i no; you to 
assist him with your advice in so delicate a matter, hav- 
ing at all times had great confidencein your great kno wi- 
€da;e. 

We have the honor to be, with profound respect, your 
obedient servants* 

(Signed) jaqueslasselle. 

JEAN BAPTISTE GEROME. 
JEAN BAPTISTE BEAUGRAKD* 
FRANCOIS LASSELLE. 
DUNCAN REID. 
JEAN BAPTISTE LASSfiLLK. 

^ccivactfrom the fepoH qf ensign Isaac L. Baker, agent 
for the prisoners taken after the battle of Frenchtown^ 
January 32rf, 1813, to Brig, Gen, Winchester, dated 
'' British JSTiagara, February 26, 1813. 
" For the greatest number of our unfortunate fello^V 

f^ldiers being ,6ent from Detroit, we are indebted to the 



APPENDIX. 75 

exertions of our prisoner fellow citizens there, who with 
unexampled generosity when thej saw their countrymen 
driven through the streets like sheep to a market, lavish- 
ed their wealth for their ransom. Nor was the procur- 
ation of our liberty all. We had been almost entirely 
stript by the Indians. Clothes, such as the exigency of 
the occasion permitted to be prepared, were furnished us. 

" On the 8th instant, Col. Proctor ordered me to make 
out a return of all the prisoners who were killed by the 
Indians subsequent to the battle, agreeable to the best 
information I could collect. The enclosed return mark- 
ed B. was produced by this order. I miglit have added 
the gallant Capt. Nathaniel Gray ; S. Hart, deputy in- 
spector general ; Capt. Virgil M'Crackin, of Col Allen's 
regiment; Capt. John H. Woolfolk, your secretary; 
ensign Levi Wells, of the 7th United States infantry 
and a number of privates, whom I find by subsequent 
information, have been massacred. 

" The memory of past services rendered me by Capt. 
Hart's family, made me particularly anxious to ascertain 
his fate. I ilattered myself he was alive, and every in- 
formation I could get for some time flattered my hopeq. 
But one of the last prisoners who was brought in, told 
me that the captain was certainly massacred. Ku v/as 
so badly wounded as to prevent him from walking. The 
Indians took him some distance on a horse, but at length 
took him off' and tomahawked him. 

« About the 10th instant, an Indian brought Capt. M* 
Crackin's commission to Sandwich ; the paper wa» 
bloody. The fellow said he took the captaia unhurt, 
but some time after, when stripping and examining him, 
he found an Indian scalp in his bosom, Mhich induced 
him to kill him. This, you cannot but be assured, is a 
humbug of the fellow's own making, to screen hiuiself 
from the odium of barbarity. The captain's character, 
and the danger that attended his carrying such furniture 
in a disastrous battle, give it the lie. 

<* Capt. Woolfolk, after havin» been wounded in two 
places,by some means had got refuge in one of the French 
nouses on the Raisin. He was discovered next day and 
dragged from his asylum. He was taken to the house of 



To APPENDIX. 

a Mr. Lasselle, where he said he would ^ive 1000 dollars 
to any one who would purchase him. Mr. Lasselle said 
it was out of his power, but he had no doubt his brother 
would do it, who lived at hand. He directed his owners 
to tlie house of his brother, but, as they were on their 
■vvaj, an Indian from a waste house shot liim through the 
Lead. 

^ " Ensign Wells was taken by my side unhurt. I con- 
sidered him as alive until my arrival at this place. Capt. 
Nags tells me he was killed bj a Pottowattimie Indian, 
not long after he was taken. 

" Many fresh scalps have been brought in since the 
battle, and dead botlies seen tlirough the country, which 
proves that others have been killed whose names I have 
not been able to find out, independent of those reported, 
to Col. Proctor. 

'• This, sir, is all the information I have been able to 
collect, concerning tliose vv ho are massacred. The fif- 
teen or eighteen mentioned in the remarks to the return 
made to Col. Proctoi-, whose names do not appear, were 
not known by those who saw them killed. 

" Major Graves of the 5th regiment of Kentucky vol- 
imteers, I have been able to get no hiformation of furtk- 
t-r than that he was brought to the river Rouge, on the 
S5th or 26th of January in a sleigh. I fear, from our 
having heard nothing of him since, that he is no more, 
and that valuable officer forever lost to his country. 

'• The dead of our army still denied the rights of se- 
pulture. At tlie time I left Sandwich, I was told the 
nogs were eating them. A gentleman told me he had 
seen them running about with skulls, arms, legs and 
other parts of the human system in their mouths. Tlie 
Prench people on the Raisin buried Capts. Hart and 
Woolfolk and some others, but it was more than their 
lives were wortli to have been caught paying this last 
accustomed tribute to mortality. 

" I have several times agitated the subject of burying 
the dead, when in company with the British officers, 
but they ahvays answered the Indians wQuld not suffer it. 



APPENDIX. 7T 

B 

Jl rofurn of the Jlmericanjjrisoners icJio ri'crs tomalrawk- 
ed by the Indians, subsequent to the battle at French- 
town, January 22c?, 1813. 

1. Pascal Hickman, captain ; 2. James E. Blytbe, 
private ; 5. Charles Gerles, do. 4. Thomas S. Crow, do, 
5. Daniel Darnell, do. 6. Thomas Ward, do. 7. William 
Butler, do. 8. Henry Downy, do. 9. John P. Sidney do. 
In addition to the above mimber,! saw two others tom- 
ahawked at Sandy creek myself, and iind that the pri- 
soners now in the hospital in Sandwich saw, say fifteeu 
or eighteen others, treated in the same manner. Tv.-o 
men tell me they saw one who had Va^ appearance of 
having been burned to deatii. Those men who saw 
Henry Downy and William Butler killed, tell me that 
the Indians left them without scalping, 

ISAAC L. BAKBR, 
Ensign 2i United States'' hifantry. 
Colonel H, Frocicr. 

Extract of aletterfrorii Major General Harrison to tht 
Secretary at war, dated at the Miami llaplds, Februa- 
ryll,18i3. 

" I have the honor to enclose to you the deposition of 
Medard Labadie, who was at the river liaisin on the 22(V 
\}\L and remained there till the 5ih instant. His ac- 
count of the loss of the enemy in tiie action, is corrob- 
orated by several others, nor is there the least reason to 
doubt his statement, as it regards the hori-ible fate of 
our wounded men<. There is another circumstance 
tvhich plainly shews that the British have no intentioii 
to conduct the war (at least in this quarter) upon those 
principles which have been held sacred by all civilized 
nations. On the 30th ult. I dispatched Dr. M'Kcehan, 
a surgeon's m£i,te in the militia, with a flag, to ascertain 
the situation of our wounded, Ke was attended by one 
of our militia men and a Frenchman. On the night 
after their departure, they halted near this place for the 
purpose of taking a few hour's sleep, in a vacant cabin, 
upon the bank of the river. The cariole in which they 
travelled v\^as left at the door with the flag set i-^p in U^ 
A A Z : 



n APPENDIX. 

They were discovered bj a party of Indians (accompa- 
nied, It IS said, by a British officer) and attacked in th© 
manner described in the deposition. The militia man 
was killed and scalped, the doctor and the Frenchman 
laken. Doctor M'Keehan was furnished with a letter 
addressed to any British officer whom he might meet, 
describing the character in which he went, and the object 
for which he was sent, an open letter Gen. Winchester, 
and written instructions to himself all of which he was 
directed to show to the first officer he met with. He 
v/as also supplied with one hundred dollars in gold to 
procure necessaries for the prisoners. 

The affidavit of Medard Labadie, late resident near 
the river Raisia, in the Michigan territory. He being 
foworn, saith, he was in his house when he heard the guns 
at the commencement of the action at the river Raisin, 
©nthe S2d Jan. 1813,between the American forces under 
Oen. Winchester, and tlie British Canadian and Indian 
force=5 said to be commanded by Col. St. George. Af- 
ter some little time, he heard that the Indians were kil- 
ling the inhabitants as well as the Americans, upon which 
lie went towards the scene of action, in order to save 
his family. As he went on, he was with one other in- 
iiabitant taken prisoner by two Wyandot Indians, and 
carried prisoners to the Indian lines, from which he saw 
great part of the action. The right wing of the Ameri- 
cans had given way before he got a sight of the action. 
it terminated affer the sun was some hours high, not 
far from 11 o'clock A. M. by the surrender of the Amer- 
.^can forces that then remained on the ground. He saw 
the flag hoisted by the British sent to tVie American, 
forces, and saw it pass three times to the Americans 
Ijefore the surrender. He could not understand English 
but understood that Gen. Winchester was taken prisoner 
before he got to the lines of his own men ; that he was 
compelled to carry the flag to his own forces after he 
wat taken ; that he understood the reason of the flag 
passing so often was that the Americans refused to sur* 
render upon any other terms than the wounded should 
be taken care of, the dead buried, and tlie inhabitants 
protected m their property. That the jBritish first, 



APPENDIX. rg 

refused to agree to these terms but fiiiallj did agree to 
them. He also understood that the loss of the British 
and Indians in the action was about 400 killed. He also 
understood tliat the loss of the Americans in the actioa 
>vas about 180 killed. 

He knows that on the day of the action all the pris- 
oners who were able to march were marched oif tow- 
ards Maiden, the w-ounded, about 60 or 80 in number, 
left in two houses without any ot their friends or a 
physician to take care of them, and without any Brit- 
ish officer or men. About ten Indians remained behind 
upon the ground — the balance of the Indians went off 
^vith the liritish, and he was told by some of the Cana- 
dian militia that the British had promised the Indians 
a frolic that night at Stoney Creek, about six miles from 
the river Raisin. 

He was liberated after the line of march was formed: 
for Maiden. The next morning he was in the houses 
v'here the wounded were. That morning about fifty 
Indians returned ; they brought whiskey with them ; 
they drank some and gave some to the Indians there, 
and between 9 and 10 o'clock, A. M. they commenced 
killing the vrounded, then set fire to the houses the 
wounded were in^ and consumed them. He was at his 
father's, on this side of the Detroit river, about seven 
days after the action, and saw across the river the pris 
oners marched off for Niagara from Maiden. 

He saith tliat he saw taken by his house, by Capt. El- 
liot, and nine Wyandot Indians, two men that he had 
understood had been sent by Gen. Harrison with a flag 
to the British. One of the men (Mr. Tessier) he knew, 
the other he did not knov/, but understood that he was 
a doctor. He had not an opportanity of conversing 
-with them, but understood from an inhabitant, to whom 
Mr. Tessier communicated it, that they stopped for the 
night and left the flag hoisted on the cariole ; that the 
flag was taken av/ay unknown to them, and that the In- 
dians fired upon them ; that he, Tessier, told them they 
were Frenclimen, and surrendered, upon which the In-- 
diaiis ceased firing, and topk them^ They then meii« 



80 APPENDIX. 

fioned they were sent with a ila;;^. The Indians said 
they were liars and took them off. 

Mr. Tessier was set at liberty at the river Raisin and 
remained two days expecting the doctor to return ; at 
the end of which time Tessier was sent for by the Brit- 
ish and taken to Maiden. He understood that the 
doctor v.-as sent oiT immediately to Niagara : the doctor 
TA as wounded in tl e ancle, lie understood the British 
charged the doctor and Tessier with being spies. And 
further he saith not. 

(Signed) MEDAHD LABADIE. 

Witness, C, Gratiot, capt. engineers and interpre- 
ter. 

Sworn to before mc, this 11th day of February, 18 13^ 
Camp, foot of the Miami Uapids. 

(Signed) C. S. TODD, dis. judge ad. 

H. GRAHAM, aid de camp, 
A true copy. 

Mcholasville, (Kij.) Jpril 9Ath, 1813. 

Sir — Yours of i\\t 5\^\\ iiist. requesting nie to give 
you a statement respecting the late disaster at French- 
tov;n, was 'duly received. Rest assured, sir, that it is 
M'ith sensations the most unpleasant, that I undertake 
io recount the infani^us and barbarous conduct of the 
British and Indians after the battle of the 22d January.. 
The blood runs cold in my veins when I think of it. 

On the n?c-niug of the 2Sd, shortly after light, six 
or eight Indians came to the house of Jean Baptiste 
Jeraume, where I v;as in company with Major Graves, 
Captains Hart and Hickman, Doctor Todd, and fifteen 
or tvv'enty private volunteers, belonging to different 
corps. They did not molest any person or thing on 
their first approach, but kept sauntering about until, 
there were a large number collected (say one or two 
hundred) at which time they commenced plundering 
the houses of the inhabitants, and the massacre of the 
y/ounded prisoners. I was one amongst the first that 
was taken prisoner, and was taken to a horse about 20 
paces from the house after being divested of part of my 
dottogj and commanded by signs tbere to remain for 



APPENDIX. « 

further orders. Shortly after being there, I saw them 
knock down Capt. Hickman at the door, together with 
several others Mith whom I v,as not acquainted. Sup- 
posing a general massacre had commenced, 1 made an 
cftbrt to j>;et to a house about 100 yards distant, Mhich 
contained a number of v ounded, but, on iny reaching 
t!ie house, to my great mortification, found it surroun- 
ded by Indians, v.liich precluded the possibility of nij 
L,iving notice to the unfortunate victims of savage bar- 
barity. An Indian chief of tiie Otaway tribe, by the 
name of McCarty gave me possession of his horse and 
1 lanket, telling me by signs, to lead the horse to the 
liffuse I had just before left. The Indian that first took 
me came up and manifested a hostile disposition tow- 
ards me, by raising his tomahawk as if to give the flital 
blow, which was prevented by my very good friend 
McCarty. On my reaching the house which I had first 
started from, I saw the Indians take off several prison- 
ers, wliom I afterwards saw in the road, in a most 
mangled condition, and entirely stript of their clor- 
thing. 

Messrs. Bradford, Searls, Turner and Blythe, were 
collected round a cariole which contained articles taken 
by the Indians from the citizens. We had all been pla- 
ced tiiere, by our respective captors, except Blythe, who 
came where we were, entreating an Indian to convey him 
to Maiden, promising to give him 40 or 50 dollars, and 
whilst in the act of oleading: for mercy, an Indian more 
savage than the other stepped up behind, tomah.awked, 
stripped and scalped him. The next that attracted mj 
attention, was the houses on fire that contained sever- 
al wounded whom I knew v/ere not ^ble to get out. — 
After the houses were nearly consumed, we received 
marching orders, and after arriving at Sandy creek the 
Indians called a halt, and commenced cooking ; after 
preparing and eating a little sweetened gruel, Messrs, 
Bradford, Searls, Turner and myseifreccived some, and 
were eating, when an Indian came up and proposed ex- 
changing his mockasons for Mr. Searls' shoes, which 
he readily complied with. They then exchanged hatSy 



8^ APPENDIX. 

after which the Indian enquired how many men Harri- 
son had with him, and at the same time calling Searls a 
Washington or Madison, then raised his tomahawk and 
struck him on the shoulder, which cut into the cavity of 
the bod j^ Searls then caught hold of the tomahawk and 
appeared to resist, and upon my telling him that his fate 
was inevitable, he closed his eyes and received the sav- 
age blow which terminated his existence. I was near 
enough to him to receive the brains and blood, after the 
fatal blow, on my blankets A short time after the death 
of Searls, 1 sa^v three others share the same fate. We 
then set out for Brownstown, which place we reached 
about 12 or 1 o'clock at night. After being exposed to 
several hours incessant rain in reaching that place we 
were put into the council house, the floor of which was 
partly covered with water 5 at which place we remained 
until next morning, when we again received marching' 
orders for their village on the river Rouge, which place 
we made that day, where I was kept six days, then ta- 
ken to Detroit and sold. For it more detailed account 
of the proceedings, I take the liberty of referring you to 
a publication which appeared in the public prints, sign- 
ed by Ensign J^ Lu Baker ; and to the publication of 
Judge V/oodward, both of which I have particularly ex- 
amined and find them to be literally correct, so far a» 
came under my notice. 

I am Sir, with due regard, 
Your fellow citizen, 

GUSTAVUS M. BOWER. 
Surgeori^s Mate 5th Regt, Kentucky Volunteers 

Jessamine county, to wit. 

This day (iastavus M. BoYver, personally came be- 
fore me, Jonii Metcalf, one of the commonwealth's jus- 
tices of the peace in and for said county, and made oath 
to the truth of assertions before stated by the said Bow- 
er. Given under my hand this 94i\\ day of April, 1813* 

JOHIS METCALF. 
Jesse Bledsoe? esq. Lexington. 



APPENDIX 85 

Le^tington^ May 2 J, 1815. 
tSm — 1 received your letter some lime since, relative 
to the disastrous affair of FrencUtown of 22d and 23d 
January last. For the particulars of the action, and the 
terms of capitulation, 1 refer you to the official report of 
General Winchester, whicli is correct as far as came 
within my knowledge. After the capitulation I was in- 
troduced to col. Proctor, the commander of the British 
forces and Indians, as one of the surviving surgeons, and 
by him was requested to attend to our wounded, who 
were left on the ground where the action was fought. 
I willingly acquiesced, and Doctor Bowers my mate re- 
mained with me ; at the same time I informed Col. Proc- 
tor of my apprehensions for the safety of the wounded 
and the surgeons : he replied be under no apprehensions, 
you will be perfectly safe, I will place you under the 
special care of the chiefs until morning and very early 
I will send conveyances for tiie wounded and yourself 
to Amherstburg. Shortly after, I was requested to as- 
certain the number and rank of the wounded, and in so 
doing was assisted by a British officer (wliose name I 
did not know) to whoml likewise communicated my ap- 
prehensions X)f safety ; he manifested some irritation at 
my doubts of British honor and magnanimity, and as- 
sured me protection would be afforded me. While en- 
gaged in this business, one of the rooms occupied by the 
wounded was crov.ded with Indians who were peacea- 
ble, but oae of them who could speak English admonish- 
ed the British officer of the propriety of sln.tioning inter- 
preters in tiie houses. Upon my return from this busi- 
ness to the room I occupied, and wliich was set apart 
for the wounded officers, I met, and was made acquaint- 
ed with captain Elliot, at pi^sent a British officer, who 
bad visited Captain Hart then wounded. Captain Hart 
was solicitous to be removed that evening, and Captain 
Elliot replied, if it was possible (and every exei-tion 
should be made) he should^ and, if it could not be effect- 
ed tVat evening, early in tlve morning he wouW call for 
him on his own train (sleigh) and conve} him to his 
own house in Amherstburg, where he should remain un- 
til recovered, assuring him, repeatedly, no danger wai 



M APPENDIX. 

to be apprehendetl, and if possible lie wo\iId rcmam 
with him that night. In the afternoon Captain Elliot 
and every British officer left the encampment, leav- 
ing behind three interpreters. From the repeated as- 
siirances, my apprehensions were quieted 5 for who 
could doubt ? About one hour before day light (for my 
duties required my attention nearly all the night) the 
interpreters suddenly disappeared. About an hour af- 
ter day light, the Indians began to collect in the town, 
and commenced plundering the houses in which the 
wounded were placed, and then stripped them and my- 
self of our clothing. At this time the room I had occu- 
pied was crowded with Indians, and Capt. Hart's wound 
already painful, being injured by them, I conveyed him 
to an adjoining house which had been plundered and 
w.as empty, where I met the Indian (who on the prece- 
ding day had requested that interpreters should be left) 
and he knew my rank. He inquired why the surgeons 
were left, and why the wounded were left ^ I replied it 
was the wish of Colon€l Proctor we should remain until 
lie could send for us ; and Capt. Hart informed him Capt. 
Elliot was a friend of his and was to call for him tliat 
morning. He shook liis head significantly, and replied 
tkey were damned rascals, or we would have been ta- 
ken oft' the preceding day. The Indian informed me 
every individual would be killed, and requested me to 
be quiet, for the chiefs were then in council and, " may 
be," 05ily the wounded would be killed. Captain Hai^ 
offered him one hundred dollars to take him to Malden» 
He replied, you are too badly wounded. While we 
w ere conversing, one of the wounded was tomahawketl 
at our feet. Shortly after, the Indian returned and told 
me, I was a prisoner, and must go. I was taken by the 
Indian to -the house 1 had left, and tlicre discovered 
that Captain Hickman and two others had in my absence 
been tomahawked, scalpt, and stript. I was tied and 
taken by this Indian toward xMalden about four miles, 
when I came to the encampment of the British wound- 
ed, and met with Captain Elliot and the surgeon of the 
41st regiment. Captain Elliot immediately recognised 
me, and inquired the cauee of my situation. I informed 



APPENDIX. 85 

IhiT. v/nat had taken place, and requested him to send 
Itack immediately, that some who were badly wounded 
mij;ht be still alive, and could be saved, particularly iia- 
me^d Captain Hart, for whom he manifested much tiiend- 
ship. Captain Elliott replied, it is now too late, yon 
may rest assured that those who are once taken by the 
Indians are safe, and will be taken to Maiden, and those 
%vho are badly wounded are killed ere this. I replied, 
many are unable to walk, and some will be killed after 
making an eifort and walking several miles, who might 
be saved ; to which he replied, charity begins at homej, 
my own wounded are to be conveyed first, and if any 
sleighs remain, they shall be sent back for your wound- 
-ed. My anxiety to get some persons to return, in hopes 
of saving some of the prisoners, induced mc at ler-gth to 
make an appeal to their avarice. The surgical instru- 
ments of the detachment were left in the room 1 occu- 
pied, and I informed the surgeon of their value and im- 
portance at the time ; he immediately dispatched i.n 
interpreter for them, who retiirncd with the Informaticji 
they were destroyed in the h'urning of the house, and 




wouvided and several others, v/ere in posseftsi:'" of tlie 
Indians, ^vho were iaking tivem towards MaMcn. i re- 
quested their release, and pe)n>Jsfeion for ibcra to ac- 
company me on foot, uvder lirit'sh protection. Cap- 
tain i^'liictc told me it war^ imp'>ssib]e, and to le vinder 
no fears : they wer;^ sate, for he kne?y th?. fidcilty of 
the Indians \/ith wheni they we«"e. When the intelli- 
p*en?'? of the massacre was by me coilimuni-cated to Can- 
luin Elliott and the surf^^on, they appeared muck exas- 
perated, and declared it was imps .i:)ie to restrain the 
isavage5.. The ravisc hr* thicjx atpig7uxl to me '."as. that 
v/hsii th'.^ Ii".hans disco-^cred tb.?ii los.-: in iiiiied ai^d 
"^vojnded^ and that ?f the I>ritish, they started off to- 
vards our vv^ounded. declared thcv vio^iM 1 r.ve gatisfac- 
t'lor and, he continue!:, I was fearful of ihe event, Du- 
lir.^ the plunder and the iT^tisuci c, Gur y,ound£id com- 



>:« APPENDIX. 

•flixtetltiicmselves with the utmost coiTjposure and re- 
signation, and made no i-esistance, which tliey knew 
\Mmld he ti'uitless, and destruction to all. 

ft was asserted by CcL Proctor in a conversation at 
Airdierstburg, tliat the Indians had got some whiskey in 
the liou&e we were stationed, and had become intoxica- 
ted. That the Indians may have had some whiskey, I 
shall not deny, but I think I can safely say, that they 
ilid not ]>rocure it tliere, and that was not the cause of 
the massacre, for on the preceding days and subsequent 
to the action of tlie 18th, 1 wanted some spirits, and 
litado application to the housekeeper, who assured me 
there was none about the house, for it was all consumed 
by the British and Indians who had quartered in the 
house prior to the action of the 18th ; besides the Indi- 
ans shewed no manifestation of drunkenness ; their de- 
liberate pilfering and their orderly conduct throughout, 
was net such as would be expected from drunken In- 
dians. 

Upon my arrival at Maiden I Mas again solicited to 
take charge of the wounded, the surgery was opened to 
me, and 1 had the use of the medicines and dressings 
necessary, and they had as comfortable rooms as could 
be procured. During our stay in Maiden sOme eight or 
fen of the wounded were brought in by the Indians ; 
vS^vetal made their escape who were doomed to massa- 
cre, and found protection v. ith the inkabitants of the 
territory, who brought them into Maiden, and several 
jnade tlveir escape, v/andered in and delivered tliemsel'ves 
up at (he fort. Prior to our leaving Maiden, one poor fal- 
low wa^ brought in scalped alive by the Indians and de- 
Jivered up to the British, but before I reached him 
<!euth put an end to li-is sii^Terings. I frequently, and 
vn e\(}i'j occtii^ion, urged the British ofiicers to exert 
themselves and procure the release of tUe wonnded from 
t)io Indians, urging the uf^cessity of having their wounds 
<lressed. In a cwiaveriation ou this subject with capt. 
Elliott, and while urj^ing it. he replied, the Indians are 
excellent surgeons. Tiie prisoners were all riiarcijed 
off to Sandwich after remaining a few days at Mahlen, 
and 1 was called upon to know how many from their 



APPENDIX. ^7 

wounds were unable to march ; who had s]ci-;!,s fwinish- 
ed then), which was the case during tlie marcii to Fort 
George. Before I coMcliide, I must Sray that the terms 
of capitulation were violated in e\ery particular by th<i 
enemy. Tlie wounded were not protected ; nor piivat^i 
p/opertj was not iieid sacred 5 and our side arms were 
not restored. "With a few exceptions, I was treated res- 
j)eciriilljl)y the British officers, save tlie abuse Vvhich was 
lavished on mj government, and thai was by no n^eans 
sparingly bestowed. I am, respectful !y, i^c. 

JOHN Tt)bD, M. D. 
and late surgeon to the 5th regt. of Kentucl^j 
volunteer militia. 
The Hon. Jesse Bledsoe, 

The commonwealth of I'CenPdckij, > 
Faj/ette county, 5 

This day Doctor John Todd ca.me before me, John H, 
Morton, a justice of the peace for said county, and made 
oath that the facts stated in the foregoing letter are sub- 
stantially true to the best of Ids knowledge. 

Given under my hand this 3d day of May* 7 813. 

JOHN H. MOllTON, 

State of Keuhiclcij, Fendkion coiotttij, in the t-.wn of 

Falmouth. 

On the 21st day of April, 1813, I, John Davson, aa 
orderly serjeaiit in captain Glard's company of the Ist 
regiment Kentucky volunteer militia being detailed off 
and attached to captain Wrlcl »Scabrces' comj?any, ami 
was in the battle oflHth January, and did notreceJAe a 
Avoiind, but on the 22d, about 9 o'clock, received a sliot 
under the right ar:i>, which lodged between tlie riiis. — 
After tlie capitulation of our troops, there came a pay- 
master of ^Mii. rsritiili army in the house v.liere I wa?, to 
take the number «f wounded that was in the hou; e, X 
asked what was to bt"- d'jjje with us: l=e replied don't 
make yourself uneasy about that, you shaJl be protected 
t^iis night by a strong jiiiard which sisliall be left with you. 
liut to my sad misfortune, I lound tliere were but thr^c 
interpreters loO, and in tlie niglit an oiHcer took two oF 
them away. a:i^ in i\\t morni!)'x ths other said he couki 



§S APPENDIX. 

2iot talk Indian. So when the Iniiians came ia the moFH- 
iiig, they broke open the doors of the houses, began to 
tomahawk, scalp and plunder, then set fire to the hous- 
es which cor.taiised the prisoners ; with this I got up, put 
on my great coat, put up my knapsack and went out of 
doors. I had not hcen out more than one Kiinute, he- 
fore an Indian came up to rne and tK)Gk the coat off my 
back, abo another Indian told me to put my knapsack 
i'A his sled ; I did so. At this time Maior Graces an«i 
('^ft Hurt v^ere out in the yr»rd. I heard Capt, Hart 
make a bargain with an Indian to take him to Maiden, 
Vvhich the Indian agreed to do for tlie sum of one hun- 
dhed dollars. I saw tlie Indian put a pair of socks en 
ilart and put him on a horse : this was the last I saw o4' 
Hart. I tlien 3i\r a man riding-, whom I thou,(;ht was a 
Brit.i.^'i oflicer. I made to hi;n but found that he wag an 
Indian, who was aid-de-camp to general Roundhead ; 
h:i had with bin when I canic up tweiv«j men. It was 
at the mouth of a lane where I overtook him, wheretlaere 
*iYere two Indians scalping two men 5 he hallooed to 
th^m to ^,i ve ^a J : they did so. After this, we went on, 
and on Sandy ci eek, ahcut 3 miles fiOQi the battle ground 
I sav/ Muj. Graves hi an Indian sleigh ; this is the last 
account of him that I ould ascertain. We went ou 
that Flight to Srownst^wn, and in the morning of the 
i2-i th a iSan gav^ out walking, witli the rhcun\atic pains, 
wiio v/asby tht nameuf Downey. The Indians toiua- 
hawked Idm and then stript him. VVe then marched oa 
above Detroit on tlie river Rour;e. i staid with them 
scivei-al days, they then took vae into Detroit (IcaYing a 
yoiifi{^;!nan in the cairipbythe na^lie of John Davenport) 
and SLild me to Maj. Muir, \v].o connurads fort Detroit* 
I then was ^cnt ever to Sarid'Aich, iheie I ^fai<l until 
the Sth of February 5 u'^^j maithed n>e to fjrt Ceorge 
and mc on'tlie IPth of February, 1S13. The 

iihave IS a trii^ statement as far as I saw, though I saw 
nnHibers masfc:a:red that I did not know. 

During ray cj il: nenient v/ithll-e Indians, whilst at their 
caaips, tf*ey shev/sa rne nioi-c hmpanity than the British. 

uivc;i under iny band this £ist day of April, 1813. 

JOHN DAWSON. 



# APPENDIX. m 

Pendleton county^ ss. 

I, William Mounfjoj, one of the commonwealth's jus- 
tices of the peace for the state of Kentuckyj in and for 
said county, do certify that the forgoing certificate of 
John Dawson, was written, subscribed and sv/orn to be- 
fore me. 

Given under my hand tliis 21st day of Ar>rii, 1813. 

^^u, MOUNTJOY. 

State of Kerduclcy, Fcndleton county, in the town of 

Falmouth. 

On the 21st day of April, 1813, I, Thomas Pollard, a 
private of Capt. Glave's company, of the 1st Regiment 
of Kentucky volunteer militia, \wiis in battles fought 
with the British and Indian army, on the i8th and 22d 
of January last, at the river Raisin, and after the sur- 
render of our army as prisoners of war, on the 2£d*upon 
the assurances of British officers premising protection 
to my wounded fellow soldiers, and that they would send 
cariioles for them the next day, although I had received 
no injury in either of the actions fought en tlie 18th and 
22d, 1 voluiitarily st^id to assist and comfort my mess- 
mates, John Dawson, Albert Ammerman and Jesss 
Green, all of whom had received v/ounds by balls. 

I have first esamined the statement made and sworn 
to, by John Dawson, hereunto anne:ied, and w itnessed 
every circumstance therein stated to be truly stated 
v/ithin my own knowledge. The Indian who bargained 
v.ith Capt. Hart, to take him to fort Maiden for one hun- 
dred dollars, and took chargeof him, puthim on ahorse 
and started on his way ; spoke good enough the Esglisk 
tongue for us to understand the contract. 

TIiOMA.S FOLLAHD. 

Fe.idleton courdu- ss, 

I, Vv'iiiiam Mountjoy, one of the comm.onv.ealth's 
justices of the peace for the state of Kentucky, in and 
for said county, do certify that the foregoing certiticato 
of Thomas Peliard, was subscribed and sworn tohefore 
ITIQ, Given under my bi^id this 21st day of April, 1 8 1 3. 

}Yn. MOUNTJOY. 

Bb2 " 



90 • APPENDIX. 

State of Kentucky, Fendleton Counthj, la ih-j& tQien of 

Falmouth. 

On tlie-Slst day of April, 1813, 1, Albert Ammennan,. 
a privats- of caDtam Slave's company of the first regi- 
ment of Kentucky volunteer mifitia, being wounded in 
the battle of the 18th January last^ at the- river Raisinj. 
by a ball in the flesh of the thigh : and from the window 
of the house which was appropriated for an hospital, 
was a witness to the battle of the 22d of the same montlr ; 
and after the surrender, I, being, but sliglitly wounded^ 
proposed marching with the rest of the prisoners, and 
was prevented by the ordac of a British officer, who 
said that a 2'uard wwid be left to take care of tlie woun^ 
ded, aJid carrioles would be s«nt for them to ride in to 
Maiden, on the next morning. But to my astonishment 
no guard was left, and about sun rise on the morning of 
tlie i23d, a party of Indians returned to the hospital,, 
and the first Indian that eams-to the room I was lodged 
hi, could speak the English language. He was asked by 
one of the wounded what was to be done with the 
wounded. He replied they were all to be kilie^l thac 
could not walk ; and shortly after a general massacre 
tu)inin&r.ced. I instantly put on my knapsack, and went 
out of the house ; ray knapsack v. as demanded by an 
Indian at the door, to wiiom I gave it. He conducted 
me to a log some little distance from the house, on which 
I tid down, where I witnessed thebutcheiy of many oF 
mv fellow ciiizens sufi^irers by the tomakawk and scalp- 
ing knife ; and, to finish t!)e scene, set tire to the houses 
occupied by the wounded prisoners, many of them 
strugj:;ring in tlie arms of death, put their heads out of' 
ix\€i vvindows whilst enveloped in smoke and flames. 
After this bloody work was fmishad, I was marched oft^ 
in the direction towards Brownstown, by an Indian, 
iiTid Vv'hcn about half a mile from Frenchtown on our 
wav, was overtaken by two Indians,, who had. Capt. 
Hart in custody, moimted on a horse. As they approach - 
id nearly to us, I noticed they were speaking loud and 
tnimated as if in a quarrel, but not understanding their 
l:ra!i;iage did not untlcrstand what passed between them,. 
ey/. think, it is probable that the tiuarrel wfts occasioned. 



APPENDIX. 91? 

respectiiig oiia Hiiiidred dollars, w'lid; I understood' 
Capt. Hart had given to one of the Indians aforesaid tO' 
convey him to fort Maiden. The quarrel appeared to 
grow very vvariu, so niuch so, that the Indians took aim 
at each other witli tlieir guns, and a.s if to settle the 
iliipute it appeared to mo as if thi-y had mutually agreed 
to kill Cant. Hart and plunder him of the rest of Ills 
money and efFects,_ which they did, by taking hiui off his 
horse, then knocked him dov.n with a war club, scalped 
and tomahawked him, and stripped him naked, leaving 
his body on the ground. I Mssgiatif'ed in observing 
that, during the soene of trial, Capt. liivt refrained 
frojn supplication m* intreaty, but ap;peared perfectly 
calm nnd collected. He met his I'vAe with that firmness 
v/hich was his particular clsaracteristic. No other pris» 
oner of our army of the United States was present to 
witness this melanchoUy scene, the death of Capt. Hart. 
During my captivity with the Indians, five days only, I 
■^vas trcaied with niore hospitality than I had any reason 
to expect, mudi more so than I experienced Irom die 
i3ritish, after I was ransomed at Detroit, by Mr. Benja- 
min Chittenden, who will ever be entitled to my utmost 
gratitude ; hy him I was humanely treated, and also by 
some of the Ki-^nch Canadians. his 

ALBERT V^ AMMERMAN, 
niatk.. 

Pendleton Couniv^ ss: 

Ij William Mounfjoy, one of ti-eCommonweath's jus- 
tices of the peace, for the state of Kentucky, in and 
for said county, da certify the forgoing certificate of 
Albert Ammerman, was sub?cribed and sworn to before 
mo. Given under my hand this 21st day of April, ISlSo 

Wm. mountjoy. 

Lexingto'ny*.^lirU 13f//,.1813. 
Sir — You request of me a statem<' nt of facts within 
mv own knowled-cje, concerning the murder of the 
Tr.£:n after the battle and surrender of Frencht^n'Ti. 

i was one of those who was taken by tiie Indians on 
the retreat, about one and a half Hiilcs from where the 
actk'n fi) st commenced* Just before ^vc were tak^U;. 



02 APPENDIX. 

witli l!:e ansislancc of Liei" ^'Miinn, belonging to the 
mlHtia, J f'oriried between iit^en and tvvcntj men, I 
then discovered tbe liidiaii^ nji»rdn2: upon us on each 
side and iii fr>-.}t, about si>ty in li'inibei', ^vitL theirarms 
at a xrail. I d^jcovered there wlj? r,') chance to repel 
then. I ordeiod tl*e nien to grourul their arms, which 
was dojie : the Inraiips then came uji and secured the 
arms of our men, and sliot them, including the Lieut, 
before mentioned. 1 was the oaly one saved. I was 
lauen and delivered up to Col. Elliot, a British olTicer. 

As to the number of the wounded, I know nothing of 
"raj ovjn knowledge. 

Your obedient servant, 

A. GARRETT. 
Hon. Jesse Eledsoe. 

Faystle County, ss. 

Thi3 day Lieutenant Ash too Garret, of the ITth regi- 
ment U. S. Infantry, came before UaC, and made oftth 
that the foregoing statement is just and true to the best 
of his knowledge and belief. 

Given under mv hand this thirteenth day of Aprilj, 
1813. * J. H. MORTON. J. P. 

State of Kentucky, "} 

Fayette county, 5 

Personally appeared before n.e, a justice of the peace 
for the ccunty aforesaid, Charles Bradford, an ir. habi- 
tant of the town of Lexington, state cf Kentucky, who 
being duly sworn on the Holy Evang^t'llst, deposeth and 
saith,that he was in the actions of the river Eaisin, o\\ 
the 18th and 2£d of January last that, he was wounded 
in the right hip and remained at Frenclitown after the 
capitulation ; that on the22d before the prisoners (who 
were able to walk) were marched for Maiden, he saw 
Capt. William Elliot, with whom he had been formerly 
acfpiainted, and of whom he enquired, personally, v/hat 
would be done with the wounded prisoners ? Whether 
they would be taken to Maiden that evening with the 
other prisoners or not ? he said they would not be taken 
to Maiden that evening, but a strong guard would be left 
to protect them against any outrage the Indians might 
^e disposed tQ coiamit. liiiUot had a siBiiiar csBveripa-: 



APPENDIX. Q3 

tion Tvitli Maj. Graves, Capts. Hart and Tlickmpn, and 
Doctors Todd and Bowers, in the presence of this de- 
ponent, lie, Elliot, further stated that sleighs would 
be sent to convey the wounded to Maiden the next 
nriorninjj;. This deponent further says that the British 
inarched away : no guard was left to protect the wound- 
ed, and that Capt. Elliot, ^^hen asked the reason, 
•bserved that seme interpreters were left whose influence 
amt)ng the Indians was greater, and that they were better 
able to protect us than a guard. About 2 or 3 o'clock 
in the morning of the 2Sd of January, this deponent 
discovered that the interpreters had left the house ia 
which he was, and he never saw tlieni afterwards 5 that 
between day light and sun rise, on the 23d, he saw a 
large number of Indians come to the house, they burst 
open the door, and in a few minutes commenced plun- 
dering the prisoners, and tomahawking those who were 
\inable to walk. This deponent left the house as sooii^ 
as possible and went into the yard, where a nurpber oi 
bis fellow prisoners had assembled ; he was there claimed 
as a prisoner by an Indian, who gave him setf*e artisle* 
to hold whilst Jie plundered more. At this time he was 
standing with Doct. Bowers and James E. Ely the, when 
a:i Indian without any provocation, tomahaVr'ke4 Blythe 
and scalped him. Shortly after, they (the Indians) set 
fire to the hous< s in which the wounded had been quar- 
tered, and burnt them dov/n, with the bodies of those 
v/aom tiiey had murdered. Thi§ t'jponent was tlieii 
taken by the In'.aar.s, in company ,vith Doct. Bovvers, 
Charles Searls. Julias T'.jrner, and several others to 
Sandy Creek ; that oi; the m ay he saw a number of pri- 
soners v/ho 111] he;- n toni.ihav;ked ; thi.L -.vhilst at Sandy 
Creek, they murdered Cliarles Scarls, Thomas S. Crow, 
and three or thur others; that this deponent was then 
pr-xk'cd ^7.itK forty or f fty pounds weight and taken to 
the river Raage, wheve the Indians had encamped ; that 
whilst he Wife tlierc-j ho enquired of an Invlian whether 
he wovildtake hirj t> Malcen, as l^e wished to be j^iven 
to Col. F.lUot. The Intlian said if Co]. Elliot told him 
to do so he wcrlr?, as they always did as he requested 
tliem, Thio depoaciit was six days ^ith the ludians 



94 APPENDIX. 

before they tuok him to Detroit, where he was purchased 
bj Stephen Mackand Oliver W. Miller, for eighty dol- 
lars J that th^ British officer commanding at Detroit 
(Major Muir) again claimed him as a British prisoner, 
Notwithstanding his having j^ist been ransoaied from 
their allies, by his own countrymen, and sent him to 
Sandwich, where he remained until the 9th or lOth of 
February, when he was sent to Fort George, and there 
paroled. Tliis deponent states, that v/hilst a prisoner 
at Sandwich., he was several times treated insultingly by 
the British officers, and by one John M'Gregor ; that the 
citizens generally treated the prisoners with kindness 
and attention, as far as was in their poweji'. 

This being the first opportunity the deponent has had 
of expressing his gratitude to the American citizens w ho 
treated the prisoners with so much friend sliip and hu- 
manity at Detroit, cannot refrain from so doing. And: 
as long as he lives, the names of Messrs. Mack, Miller,^ 
Smart, Woodward, Williams, M'Donald, Hunt, Mays,. 
&c.*shall never be tbrgotten. 

CHARLES BRADFORD. 

Sworn and sul*scribed to, before me this 29th day .of 
April, 1813. O. KIEN, J. P^ 

C^opy) 



X 



INDEX. 



6ENISIIAL TITLES OF CONTENTS TO THE' IST VOLUME* 

PAGE 

Exposition of the Causes /f the War, - - - - 3 
March of Gen. Hull to Detroit, &c. ----- 27 
View of the Michigan Territory, ----- 4t 
Sketches of that part of U. Canada which 

was the scene of Gen. Hull's military operations, 48 
Invasion of Canada, &c. --------52 

Campaigns of Gen. Harrison, -------83 

Battle of the Moravian Town, ------ 125 

Naval Battle on Lake Erie, - - - - ~ - - 140 

Biographical notice of Gen. Harrison, - - - - 155 

Massacre of the garrison of Fort Dearborn, - - 167 
Attack on Fort Harrison, -------- 169 

Attack on Fort Belle Vue, ------- 172 

Expeditions against the Indians of the 

Wabash and lUenois, --------174 

Events on the Niagara Frontier in 1812, - - - 177 
Battle of Queenstown, -- - - - - - - 181 

Further operations on the Niagara, &c. - - - 202 
Biographical notice of Col. R. M. Johnson, - - 210 
Biographical notice of Col. Geo. Croghan, - - 224 

Contents of the Jlppendix. 

Appendix A. Letters taken with Proctor's 

baggage, Oct. 5, 1813, --1 

" B. Extracts of letters to the sec- 

retary of war from Indian agents, - - - - 4 

' C. [erroneously printed " D"] 

Correspondence of Lieut. Pike with the 

N. W. Company's agent, 1806, IS 

— 1 D. Henry's Correspondence, - - - S^S 

' E. Revolutionary services of Gen. Hull, 61 

' ■ I I ■ ■ F. Bavbai'ities of the enemy at Eaisinj 65 



r 



ERRATA, 

The author not being present when the proof sheets. 
v/ere taken, a few errors have crept into the work, 
which the reader is desired to correct with a pen. The 
most material are the following, viz. 

Page 23, 6th line from bottom, after the word President^ 
add acted. 

122, 8th line from bottom, (note) for shortness read 
straitness. 

134^ 16th line from top, for M'Cobe; read M'Cabe- 



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